Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield by Downtown Publications Inc.

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Bloomﬁeld $949,000

Bloomﬁeld $799,000

Bloomﬁeld Hills $799,000

Bloomﬁeld $790,000

Bloomﬁeld $699,000

Beverly Hills $649,000

Birmingham $449,000

Birmingham $350,000

Sun flooded contemporary ranch on Wabeek lake. Gracious entertaining and huge living room and formal dining room with dramatic lake views. First floor master suite and finished lower level walk out. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Beautifully renovated in 2009 on one acre private cul-de-sac lot. Pool, spa & cabana. Gourmet kitchen plus vaulted family room, private study. Finished basement with full kitchen and guest quarters. Birmingham schools.

Gracious two story foyer opens to large great room with ﬁreplace, den, dining room. Beautiful winding staircase leads to the master suite with French doors & skylights. Sharp island kitchen with premium appliances. 1st ﬂoor laundry.

Outstanding location for this 2350+ square foot home with views of Birmingham Country Club. Large family room has doorwall to deck. Professionally landscaped yard. 4-5 bedrooms. Partially ﬁnished basement.

Inviting condo in gated community. Soaring ceilings, architectural moldings, numerous built ins. Large kitchen, library. First ﬂoor master plus two bedroom suites on second ﬂoor. Lower level with daylight windows. Beautiful!

Gracious Bloomﬁeld Village colonial with new gourmet kitchen & new master bath. Great entertaining house. Generous sized rooms, beautiful moldings and hardwood ﬂoors. Four bedroom suites. Large paver patio in super backyard.

Landmark home on 1.32 acres overlooking Rouge River and nature preserve. Great room off gourmet kitchen opens to new deck with panoramic views. All new electrical, plumbing, HVAC. New Pella windows and premium appliances.

Walk to Quarton Lake, the Farmer’s Market and all that downtown Birmingham has to offer. 3 bedrooms including first floor master suite. Two fireplaces plus a two car attached garage.

248.644.3500 HallandHunter.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

HALL & HUNTER. Melinda Allen Lynn Baker Gayle Barker Patty Blair Matt Blauvelt Carolyn Bowen-Keating Joan Brown Nancy Buck JoAnn Buesser Joanne Carter Lila Casenave Lois Casey Ron Clem Meredith Colburn Jean Colby Kevin Conway Lanie Hardy Cosgrove Emily Day Sandy Demetriou Christine Drinkwater Chris Edwards Ginny Fisher Frank Flynn Julie Flynn Gordon Fox Deby Gannes Holly Geyer Eva Goren Jason Gorton 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 Tom O’Brien Kristin Parent Amy Parker Mona Parlove Shondell Patterson Dorothy Perrotta Michael Perrotta Nanci Rands Nancy Reizen Cheryl Riback Jerry Schmidt Lynda Schrenk Dana Shagena Sue Simon Kelly Small Kirt Smith Pam Stoler Heather VanHaaren Violet Vestevich Adam Waechter Chi-Chi Ward Madelon Ward Ted Widlund Diana Wolak Schmidt Brad Wolf Dennis Wolf Dee Wright Amy Suzanne Zimmer Elise Zimmermann Denise Zuckerman

DOWNTOWN05.12

29 35

Planned Parenthood interview Planned Parenthood's Lori Lamerand, who has worked her way up over 27 years to the position of CEO, talks about the recent political furor over the organization.

CRIME LOCATOR

71: Paige Smith

CITY/TOWNSHIP

Nightlife and South Bar problems; joint dispatch agreement; Rail District townhouses; election filings in Bloomfield Township; AAA rating affirmed for Birmingham.

For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;subscriptionsâ&#x20AC;? in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.

106

Upcast by Clement Meadmore. Corner of Maple and Southfield, Birmingham.

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DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications twitter.com/downtownpubs

Publisher: David Hohendorf Ad Manager: Jill Cesarz Graphics/IT Manager: Chris Grammer News Editor: Lisa Brody

News Staff/Contributors: Hillary Brody, Sally Gerak, Eleanor & Ray Heald, Austen Hohendorf, Garrett Hohendorf, Kathleen Meisner, Laurie Tennent

DOWNTOWN

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

ENDNOTE

THE COVER

Following a victory in the Michigan Supreme Court, Oakland County Republicans have redrawn the political districts for county commissioners for this year's elections.

DISTRIBUTION: Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies are distributed at high foot-traffic locations.

A Place to Be; Heavy Weight Enterprises; Perfect Trading Company, La Feast; Touch of India; Releve'; Try it Raw; Ulta Beauty.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

COUNTY

The Rangoli restaurant, and the team that runs it, is shattering the myths about Indian food with its consistent offerings at lunch and dinner in Auburn Hills.

BUSINESS MATTERS

85: Allen Einstein

Now that Birmingham has dropped out, the city of Troy is moving full steam ahead with a transit center.

FACES

Transit center update

AT THE TABLE

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

27: Hajj Flemings

Homeless have returned

A familiar site in downtown Birmingham in nice weather, there's not much a city can do about the homeless.

A recap of our election endorsements for May 8; our thoughts on the nightlife problems with a few establishments in downtown Birmingham.

INCOMING: We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

05.12

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

his space for the May issue will revisit a topic discussed here when we first launched Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield in 2010--the role of a local publication.

It's an appropriate topic given the recent, and still ongoing, controversy surrounding the night life scene in downtown Birmingham, involving several establishments that hold liquor licenses in the city and find themselves at the center of news stories because of public safety incidents. The most glaring incident of late was outside of South Bar on S. Old Woodward after closing time several weeks ago. The details of this incident, which involved gunshots by a South patron during a scuffle outside the establishment, are detailed in a news story in this issue and is the subject of an editorial in our Endnote section on page 102. Our response to the incident was to launch an online petition urging the city of Birmingham to work toward having the Michigan Liquor Control Commission revoke the license of South Bar, certainly no easy task. The city must do an investigation of the establishment, hold a public hearing and then file a format request with the liquor control commission, which ultimately decides the fate of the liquor license. We officially closed the petition once we had obtained 200 supporters and forwarded the names and home communities to city officials on April 23. We took a fair amount of criticism for the online petition. News editor Lisa Brody received her share of phone calls and we found ourselves the target of e-mails, Facebook postings, and the topic of online forum discussions. Support far outweighed critics' comments, which ran the gamut of Downtown overstepping its role with the petition to off-the-wall allegations that we had an ulterior motive, including that we were in cahoots with someone who wanted to purchase the building which houses South Bar. Our effort to weigh in on the issue of South and provide a conduit for residents on this topic fits exactly with what we see as our mission in the community. The role of Downtown, as it should be with any news publication, is to both inform and to influence, to put it simply. We see our role as a two-fold mission. In our news stories we seek to inform through an unbiased recounting of events taking place in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Through our editorials we seek to offer our opinions or our voice, as one of many in the local communities. It is our way of helping to shape policy in the communities we cover. We also advocate beyond the editorial page, something that we have done long before the online petition on the South situation. Downtown, as just one example, played a role in helping to organize local Birmingham merchants against a proposal to allow mobilevendors of food and merchandise in the city last year. Downtown also uses its website, Facebook page and Twitter to advance the publication's position on issues of importance to the community. Promoting our editorial positions in the digital realm are both an extension of our print product as the face of readership has changed in recent years and a fact of life for a monthly publication as daily events occur. Advocacy by a news publication is a long-honored tradition, one that we intend to continue in the future. While we recognize that a publication is a business that must produce profits, we also feel that a legitimate news publication has an obligation to lend its voice to the public debate on critical issues. To ignore our role as an advocate in the community is simply not acceptable. As always, I welcome your feedback. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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I would like to see Birmingham rethink its policy for the increased number of liquor licenses. I am fully in favor of our new bistros, but I do not think "clubs" have any place in Birmingham. We are a family community and we need to remember that it is the community environment that attracts its residents; South, Chen Chow, and the Hamilton Room have no place in Birmingham. Every publicized incident decreases our community's reputation. I know there are many more acts of violence and vandalism that make residents of our own community feel unsafe in Birmingham at night. It is time for city council to help us reclaim our communities reputation. Barb Ritsema, Birmingham

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If Bloomfield Hills adopts a tree ordinance, let's make it fair and userfriendly for property owners. I attended the planning commission final public hearing and expressed my views which seemed to fall on deaf ears. I proposed that a property owner, on less than an acre, be allowed to remove more than three trees in a two-year period. For one acre or greater, I suggested more than six in a two-year period. A property owner, in either case, should be able to remove 10 percent of the trees on any property in a two-year period. Furthermore, I proposed allowing a property owner additional credit for using larger replacement trees. If a property owner does not have room on the site to plant the required replacement trees, the new ordinance proposes planting the balance on city property or if not possible, writing a check to the city. If an owner was granted credit for planting larger replacement trees on his or her property, there would be no need to plant trees off-property or write a check to compensate — an unnecessary and not resident-friendly tax. I presented the above views to the planning commission on April 10. I heard no acknowledgement or discussion from the panel. I also presented a petition reflecting my views signed by 50 residents. I fear my perspective will not be taken seriously when the ordinance goes to

the city commission public hearing on May 8th. As our trees leaf out for spring, let’s keep Bloomfield Hills beautiful and friendly. Michael J. Dul, Bloomfield Hills (Editor's note: Duhl is a candidate for the city commission)

Citizens did their homework The new plan proposed by new Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent, Rob Glass calls for one hybrid high school on one campus that keeps property values high, saves $2.4 million in operational funds each year and protects programs from being cut from the curriculum, all without raising taxes. Ask anyone with kids why they moved here and they'll say because of the schools. If the bond does not pass on May 8th, I am certain that there will be less and less people to ask that question to. In the fall of 2013 the legacy of Andover and Lahser will continue at Bloomfield Hills High School because the people who cared about their community did their homework and knew it was the right thing to do. Vote: “yes” on May 8th. Kelly Gould, Bloomfield Hills

City election While our city staff is dedicated and effective, our elected city commission has become “selfcentered” and often focusing on the trivial. One example is the effort underway by the commission to dictate to our residents just how many trees they can remove from their yards during the year, and what kinds of trees they can plant. This is “an answer looking for a question”, and an unnecessary intrusion into our rights. Two candidates running for election on May 8th for the office of city commissioner can help focus the city commission’s attention on the important matters. Michael Dul and John Monaghan are both experienced in city affairs, have served on city boards and have the background and dedication to be effective. Over a period of many years I served on Bloomfield Hills city boards, and had the privilege of serving as mayor for two terms. I think I know what our residents expect of their elected city leadership. I recommend Michael Dul and John Monaghan for the position of Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner. Dale Dawkins, Bloomfield Hills

DOWNTOWN

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.

Schools, community The upcoming Bloomfield Hills School millage is about how we want our community to look in the next 30 years. It has been said that strong communities are based off of the three S’s: services, security and schools. In Bloomfield Township we have a beautiful rebuilt library, a new main fire station and a new senior center. These have created a safer and more pleasing place to live. All were created by additional taxes to the public. Now is the time to rebuild our schools. The proposed bond is the right plan and the right price for our community. It produces the kind of place that we want to live in the future. Vote “yes” on May 8. Keith Peters, Bloomfield Hills

Much needed compromise The new Bloomfield Hills high school bond proposal offers a much needed compromise for our outdated, under-utilized, fiscally wasteful high school facilities. As a parent of elementary and middle school age children and a concerned home owner, I urge everyone to vote “yes” on May 8th. You can support this plan and still see a decrease in your school taxes. Even better, you will enhance the education of our kids, you will protect Bloomfield's exceptional educational legacy, and you will help Bloomfield HIlls attract new homebuyers who often measure a community by its school facilities. Allison Woll, Bloomfield Hills 05.12

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05.12

Vote 'yes' on school After carefully studying the May 8th bond proposal, looking at the reports and materials the district has made available, talking with neighbors, school parents, and retired Bloomfield Hills Schools residents, I am convinced that now is the time to vote “yes” on the school bond proposal. As a retired teacher from another Oakland County district, I have seen my former school district significantly remodel or upgrade each school building. It is time to do the same in the Bloomfield Hills district to preserve the fine quality of education my children were part of in the 70’s and 80’s, as well as increase the property values in our community, and encourage new families to choose our district for it’s excellence. The proposal on the ballot is an excellent one that balances new construction while preserving what it can of the existing campus. Judy Mintz, Bloomfield Township

Ballot is Hobson's Choice Hobson’s Choice. This expression describes exactly the single high school choice proposed by the Bloomfield Hills School Board. Thomas Hobson was a livery owner in the 16th century with an extensive stable of some 40 horses. This gave the appearance to his customers of having their choice of horses when in fact there was only one: Hobson required his customers to choose the horse in the stall closest to the door or receive none at all. So too has the school board resurrected this 400 year old strategy to foist on the residents of the Bloomfield Hills School Districts. Clearly, the school board never intended to deviate from offering the community the horse in the closest stall because they never fully described any of the other alternatives that might be in other stalls if the bond issue is defeated, which it should be. In fact, there are many flaws in the bond proposal: excessive cost, completely insufficient parking space, traffic congestion and a suboptimal learning environment from a large single high school population. The board hasn’t described horses in other stalls because they never wanted to give voters an honest choice. There are significant advantages by voting “no”: better learning environment by establishing a 9th grade academy; lower taxes; and avoidance of subsequent tax increases downtownpublications.com

virtually certain to be required to correct a flawed facility campus. Vote “no” on May 8. Wiley Pickett, Bloomfield Hills

Merge school districts I have lived in the same Bloomfield Township home for 44 years, and three years before that in Birmingham. During that time I have seen the decline or demise, or near demise, of several newspapers from the Detroit News to The Eccentric to the Oakland Press. The latter no longer has a full time editor. The Eccentric is now weekly, not semiweekly. The News had to effectively merge with the Free Press. I just read in Downtown that the Birmingham school superintendent is leaving. This is a terrific opportunity to merge the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts and save the taxpayers millions of dollars every year. Richard Rosenbaum, Bloomfield Township

Mother’s Day May 13th

Right-sized school The size of our high school in Bloomfield Hills is a much debated topic that evokes a broad range of strong sentiments. Perhaps this is why the opponents of the new high school facility continue to prey upon our community’s fears by making exaggerated claims about the size of the proposed renovated and expanded high school. The opposition implies that the district’s plans for the new facility are not only expensive, but excessive and wasteful. On the contrary, without the passage of the current proposal, we are left with an option that is far more inefficient, costly and resource draining.In these lean times, our district cannot afford to split the consolidated Bloomfield Hills High School between the two current oversized buildings. This will merely perpetuate our current problem of having an indulgent overage of space and capacity; the very thing the opposition warns we must avoid. I applaud the Bloomfield Hills School district for taking steps to rightsize its high school space. This is the fiscally prudent and academically sound path to take. It stands to reason that we must not allow emotion-driven distortions to overshadow the facts. The simple truth is that the proposed renovated high school is economical, reasonable and right-sized for our community. Allison Parr, Bloomfield Hills

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Meredith Colburn

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

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Bloomfield $2,995,000 On a private, landscaped hilltop overlooking Wing Lake, this historic property was restored & expanded in 2001 to extraordinary elegance & functionality. Molded plaster ceilings, tumbled travertine floors, carved beams & sculptures. Over 6,000 sq ft with an additional 4,000 feet in the finished Lower Level. 3 Bedrooms, 5 Full & 2 Half Baths. Grand entry Foyer with domed rotunda. The Living Room is highlighted by a mural depicting Edsel Ford’s 1st transcontinental Model T journey. The Cook’s Kitchen features an octagonal island & casual dining area. 4-seasons Sun Porch. A 38-foot gallery leads to the 1st floor Master Suite. Two 2nd story Bedroom Suites. Lower Level houses an impressive Wine Cellar, Entertainment Room & Exercise Facility.

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 & ivy draped trees. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of luxury with four bedroom suites, four full & three half baths. 1st ﬂoor Master Suite. Reﬁned cherry paneled two-story Library with spiral staircase. Chilton country blend granite island Kitchen with Hearth Room & Breakfast Area. Knotty Pine paneled Family Room. Screened 3-Season Sunporch. Meticulously crafted, temperature controlled wine cellar & tasting room. An impressive Exercise Facility houses a professional Dojo. Two heated garages with 8 car capacity. 5 Fireplaces.

Bloomfield $3,950,000 An incomparable Post Modern Masterpiece located on 3.3 wooded acres. Sophisticated, functional & inviting spaces. Long, wide gallery halls. Stylish Living Room with a curved wall of 2-story windows overlooks the Pool & clay Tennis Court. Spacious Kitchen & eating area. A sky-lit walkway leads to the first floor Bedroom wing. The Upper Level has a 2nd Library, Master Suite, a sleek Bath, large Dressing Room & three-room Office. The finished walk-out Lower Level has a Family Room, Guest Room with private Bath, Fitness Area & Kitchenette/Bar. This property is spectacular in daylight & when illuminated at night. The natural wooded setting & unique architectural design blend to create an outstanding one-of-a-kind residence. Four car heated garage.

www.RandsColburn.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

SPECTACULAR HOME ON WING LAKE

Bloomfield $3,750,000 Prominently gracing the North shore of Wing Lake, this outstanding 2000 built, New England style home is truly beyond compare. The home features over 10,000 square feet of elegance & sophistication in architecture, quality, detailed trim work, antique touches, & décor. Features include rubbed wide-planked pine floors & extensive crown & base moldings. There are 6 bedrooms, including a private apartment over the garage, 6 full & 2 half Baths. The impressive Foyer is accented by a sweeping staircase & panoramic lake views through an arched picture window. The walk-out Lower Level, with 9 foot ceilings, is professionally finished with the same quality & detail as the entry & upper levels. The exterior is stone & cedar with copper gutters & a cedar shake roof. A Porte-cochère leads to the motor court & 4 car garage. The columned bluestone front porch with teak barrel ceiling creates a stunning entrance to the home. Additional features: Security & sound systems. Central vacuum. Screened porch. Multiple bluestone terraces. Professional landscaping with stone pathways & landscape lighting. Lake-fed irrigation system. Hot tub. Boat dock. Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Nanci J. Rands 248.701.9000

www.RandsColburn.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Meredith Colburn 248.762.5319

OVER 55 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Nanci J. Rands

Meredith Colburn

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

Associate Broker

West Bloomﬁeld $515,000

Just Listed

An extraordinary home combines luxury & comfort. Handsome Library. 2-story Entry & Living Room. Wood floors. Gourmet Kitchen opens to Family Room. Master Suite has spa-like Travertine Bath. Nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of living space plus finished Lower Level with 5th Bedroom, Fitness Room & more. 3 fireplaces. Incredible landscaping. Sports court.

Price Reduced

Associate Broker

Bloomﬁeld $849,000

Price Reduced

Pristine Bloomfield Hills Transitional updated in 2011. Gracious foyer, high-ceilinged Living Room plus large bays in Dining Room & Library. Gourmet island Kitchen opens to Breakfast & Sun Rooms. 1st floor Master. 3 Bedroom Suites upstairs. Lower Level walk-out with Family Room, Exercise Room & more.

Just Listed

FBUILDING SITESG Bloomﬁeld Lakefront ~ $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.

Bloomﬁeld Lakefront ~ $849,000 Beautiful lakefront acre site on Gilbert Lake. May accommodate walk-out.

West Bloomfield $949,000 Outstanding Home on All-Sports Pine Lake. Complete 1995 remodel. Entertainers dream inside & out. Gourmet Kitchen opens to Dining, Living & Family Rooms. Lakefront Master Suite with 2-way fireplace, sitting area & spa-like marble Bath. 2 garages with 6 car capacity. 2-story Boat house. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Bloomﬁeld Village Estate Area ~ $698,000 Estate Area of Bloomﬁeld Village. Site is 0.83 acres with 150' frontage. Just minutes from downtown Birmingham & surrounded by multi-million dollar properties.

Bloomfield $649,500 Sunset views over Wabeek Lake & a sweeping lawn lend natural elegance to this sophisticated Contemporary Condo. Open floor plan. Large balcony overlooks lake. Sleek gourmet Kitchen with Breakfast Area. Library retreat. Elegant first floor Master Suite with marble bath. Finished Lower Level walk-out.

Bloomﬁeld $795,000

Birmingham $2,395,000

Beautifully maintained & quality updated Soft Contemporary, 4 Bedroom custom Ranch home. Over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space. Newer Kitchen. 1st ﬂoor Master with luxurious Master Bath. Indoor pool converts to banquet sized room for entertaining. Pool area not included in overall sq. footage. Center, open-air courtyard.

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

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CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

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Elegant four-story townhomes located in the heart of Birmingham With a stunning brick and limestone exterior, these sophisticated townhomes are perfectly located on the southeast corner of Bates and Brown. Two units are still available, both featuring spacious floor plans, 3 bedrooms and bluestone patios. Each is 4,400 square feet with elevator servicing all floors. 277 Brown $1,595,000 Gourmet kitchen, luxurious master suite with tray ceiling, five fireplaces. Interior is being finished with expected mid-July completion. 287 Brown $1,395,000 Designer perfect! Master suite with fireplace and gorgeous master bath featuring clawfoot tub. Hardwood flooring, coffered ceiling, numerous fireplaces, cozy family room. 297 Brown

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

SOLD

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

THE SPRING MARKET IS HEATING UP Prices are INCREASING. Inventory is at an all time LOW! Buyer demand is HIGH! NOW is the time to sell your home! Lynn Baker

Deby Gannes

248.379.3000

248.379.3003

lbaker@hallandhunter.com

dgannes@hallandhunter.com

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Rich

Realtor

“Your Hometown Realtors” Sale Pending

Sale Pending

Birmingham $699,900

Birmingham $724,900

Rochester Hills $499,900

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

“In Town” location with exceptional lot, privacy and views of towering pines. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 1 lav. Neutral decor, light, airy, walls of windows and in pristine condition. Limestone and hardwood floors (1st floor), library with judges paneling, master with cathedral ceilings, fabulous bath, huge walk in closet and private balcony. Finished walkout with judges paneling, bar, bath, bedroom +++. Easy entry attached garage, amazing lot, decks and patio. WIL212038150

Magniﬁcent 4,061 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2 lavs. Too many upgrades/updates: furnace, hot water heater, sump pump, carpet, paint, kitchen in 2008 ©©©. 2 story foyer, great room, breakfast room and kitchen. T-staircase, Jack & Jill with walk in closets, private suite and elegant master with huge walk in closet. Finished lower level with bar/kitchen, family room, play room, lav, wine cellar and plenty of storage. Private yard, stamped concrete patio, neutral décor and open ﬂoor plan. TEA212015740

SOLD

Bloomﬁeld Hills $749,900

Oakland Township $849,900

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

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

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

SOLD

Bloomﬁeld Hills $649,900 Estate home in private gated community, The Hills of Lone Pine. Enjoy tranquil view of Minnow Lake from inside and deck across entire home’s lake side. Beautiful mature setting, sweeping lawn and exquisite landscaping. Custom cherry cabinets, granite and top of the line appliances in Chef’s kitchen. 3,441 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs has 1st ﬂoor master suite with fabulous closet and bath. Finished walk out and 3 car garage. WIC211121787

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

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 April 20, 2012. Placement of codes is approximate.

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD AN INTERVIEW WITH CEO LORI LAMERAND

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ori Lamerand, CEO of Planned Parenthood of mid and South Michigan began her gig at the organization years ago as a medical assistant, working her way to the top of a $14 million non-profit organization with 17 health care clinics across the southern part of the state. She addresses in a straightforward manner the issues Planned Parenthood

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is facing across the country, and right here in our backyards, and discusses why the organization is important and relevant. DOWNTOWN: Tell us a bit about yourself, how long you have been with Planned Parenthood, why you joined Planned Parenthood, and how many offices of the organization fall under your general management. LAMERAND: I’ve been with Planned Parenthood 27.5 years. I started as a medical assistant all those years ago when our organization was one-and-a-half health centers with a budget of $1.5 million, and have held a bunch of other positions in the meantime, to becoming the CEO seven years ago. We now run 17 health centers across the entire bottom of the state. The affiliate is the product of four mergers with sister affiliates and this year we’ll see 70,000 men, women and teens. We do see men, too; 6 percent of our patients are men. We have a 31-county service area that goes as north as Saginaw and Bay County, and all the way to Berrien County in the southwest corner of the state. About 83 percent of the state’s population lives there. DOWNTOWN: Can you explain exactly what Planned Parenthood is, what services it offers, and who comes to its clinics and offices? How do people pay for their services? LAMERAND: Planned Parenthood is a health care non-profit whose mission is to ensure that people have access to reproductive health care and we make sure of that by providing the care itself, offering education and doing public advocacy. We work on several levels. The Planned Parenthood that does medical services is an IRS-designated 501 (3)(c) organization, so we are a charity, and we have the ability under that designation to talk to our legislators about issues that are important to us. We also have a 501 (c)(4) organization, called Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and that designation allows for some lobbying. There’s also a PAC—a political action committee, which gets involved with politics. Most of our patients pay something out of pocket, but it is on a sliding scale based on a family’s income and the number of people in that family supported by that income. We get some people paying their own fees; we certainly take third party reimbursement, both Medicaid insurance as well as private coverage. In addition, as I mentioned, we are a charity, so we have a number of people who entrust us with their hard-earned dollars through donations and we access several federal, state and foundation grants to make up the rest. DOWNTOWN: About how many women does the mid and south Michigan organization service each year? Why do women choose to come to Planned

Parenthood rather than someplace else, like a doctor’s office or a health clinic? LAMERAND: This year it will be very close to 70,000 (served). Many women don’t have access to a doctor’s office because they don’t have insurance coverage and the fees are prohibitive, based on their income. Certainly, a number of our patients have lots of other options and do have insurance, choose Planned Parenthood because of our philosophical bent that we put to our care, in that we put a lot of effort in ensuring that our patients have a voice in their own health care, in what’s being decided in their health care, and they’re really empowered to make decisions that are good for their health. We make sure they get lots of information. Patients at Planned Parenthood experience a different level of discourse between they and the providers because we give a lot of information, such as the specifics of their situation, and give them the options for decision-making for a whole host of things, from something as simple as what birth control might be good for them to what they might like to do with an unplanned pregnancy, how they may want to manage an abnormal Pap smear result, etc., etc. We give people information and some advice, and together with the clinician, they take the best course of action. DOWNTOWN: Your promotional material states that one in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood sometime in her life. How do you know that? Is there an age that tends to come in more than others? LAMERAND: We have done national surveys. Nationally, more than 4 million women will access health care at a Planned Parenthood health center this year. I think many people think of Planned Parenthood as a provider for very young women, and certainly we do see young teens, but that is not the predominant age we help. Our patients range in age from about 12 to 45; and the most popular age range is 24 to 35, during child-bearing age. DOWNTOWN: How did Planned Parenthood come about? Do you believe it is still relevant? LAMERAND: Planned Parenthood was founded about 100 years ago by a woman named Margaret Sanger who was watching the hardships people were enduring in the tenements of New York City and started disseminating information to women who certainly didn’t have resources about how to prevent births. At that time, women were having a baby a year. Many of them were in very difficult situations, and had recently emigrated from other places, and she felt very strongly that people needed the information to make good decisions about their own family sizes. She opened a clinic in Brooklyn, and was arrested and had real political opposition, and out of that the first Planned Parenthood was born. Absolutely (it’s still relevant), even in the

context, if we’re lucky to have the Affordable Health Act upheld by the (U.S.) Supreme Court, there likely will not be enough providers to help everyone covered under that act, so if you take a page out of the Massachusetts book, people were thrilled to have Planned Parenthood as an option. This country has a dramatic shortage of any providers, of doctors, nurses, mid-level assistants, there’s simply not enough to cover what the demand will be so to have places other than doctors offices is helpful. Secondly, we have not had a long history in this country of dealing with patients who struggle with income disparities, and Planned Parenthood knows how to do this. We do it on a much smaller budget than most people think is possible. And, as long as abortion remains safe and legal in this country, there will not be enough providers for that service. And while Planned Parenthood works every day to reduce the need for abortions by providing women with adequate family planning services, the fact of the matter is, there are dire circumstances where that is the choice that women make, and we believe it is very important that is provided appropriately. DOWNTOWN: One of the most controversial medical procedures Planned Parenthood performs is abortions. By some estimates, on a national basis, 10-15 percent of the annual revenue of Planned Parenthood is spent on abortions. How many are performed in Michigan, especially in southeastern Michigan, each year? LAMERAND: Of our 17 affiliates, four perform abortions. Less than 3 percent of our visits have anything to do with abortion services. It’s around 3,000. DOWNTOWN: Where does your funding come from? How large of a budget does the south Michigan service area operate with on an annual basis? LAMERAND: Our funding comes from patient fees, grants of various natures, and donations. Our budget is about $14.5 million. DOWNTOWN: How concerned are you about efforts at defunding Planned Parenthood, both on the national and state levels? How would these revenues be replaced? LAMERAND: Incredibly concerned. I’ve been involved with Planned Parenthood for 27.5 years, and the opposition to Planned Parenthood is unprecedented. I think the characterization of a war on women is not an overstatement. We really have come to a place where we’re debating not only if abortion is appropriate; good thinking people can disagree about that, but it is a legal procedure in this country, but beyond that we’re debating whether or not women should have access to contraception at all. There are bills all over the place that would ban contraception in the Personhood Bill. We have a person on the national stage in Rick Santorum saying he thinks it would be

appropriate for states to outlaw contraception. I think we’re in a place where the damage would really be extreme. Nearly 80 percent of Americans support funding for Planned Parenthood, and 98 percent of women use birth control at some point in their childbearing years. To paint this as a trivial or fringe issue is incredibly shortsighted. Planned Parenthood would not exist as we know it now. It’s not really us that would get defunded. We’re but the conduit for women to get the health care they need. Who really gets defunded is in our direct service area, over 70,000 people who would not have access to health care in another way. Over 70 percent of our patients only get health care because of a sliding fee scale. The notion that other providers would pick up the slack is absurd. DOWNTOWN: I understand that Planned Parenthood has received federal funding since 1970, when President Richard Nixon, a Republican, signed into law the Family Planning and Services and Population Research Act, amending the Public Health Service Act. Title X of that law provides funding for family planning services, including contraception and family planning information. Nixon is quoted as saying Title X funding is based on the premise that “no American woman should be denied family planning assistance because of her economic condition.” For many years, the law enjoyed bipartisan support from liberals who saw contraception access as increasing families’ control over their lives, and conservatives who saw it as a way to keep people off of welfare. Recently there has been a reversal, with attacks on contraceptives and on women’s use of them. Why do you think there has been such a change in perception or rhetoric on the topic of contraception, 50 years after the “pill” came about? LAMERAND: I think it mostly is because all things are political. The nature of the Republican party, certainly, has changed. No one has done anything with Title X since then. It was recognized that it was a disparity issue; the repercussions for women of not contracepting are far weightier than for men. The second thing, it is an economic issue. In Michigan, we know, every $1 spent on contraceptives will save $5 the very next year in Medicaid costs related to pregnancies and births. Family planning is a good economic decision. The religious right of the Republican party has taken over, and this is where we’ve landed. For women who’ve grown up with Roe v. Wade, and have gotten complacent, this is what we’ve been warning you about. The good news is, all of these attacks on women are really getting called out as absurd and inappropriate. DOWNTOWN: Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, explain how family planning

services of Planned Parenthood offers reduce the need and opportunity for abortions. Many anti-abortion activists dispute that greater access to contraceptives reduce abortions. Why do you think they do, and how do you counter their argument? LAMERAND: We do a bad job as a country helping people manage their fertility. More than half of all births were unintended. That doesn’t mean that at the time of the birth the person is disappointed they’re pregnant, but it wasn’t intended, and that’s the highest rate of developed countries. We have an inherent problem. What we know is if you give families the right resources for spacing children and the right resources to take care of children, people get started in life on the right footing. That’s our premise: if you offer people information the opportunity to manage their fertility in a proactive way, we will reduce the need for abortions by reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies. They absolutely dispute it. For some activists, it’s not just about abortion, it’s about control. Some of these people would like to roll back the clock to Margaret Sanger days at the turn of the last century. DOWNTOWN: Were you surprised at the backlash the Susan G. Komen organization received when they announced (albeit, briefly), that they were pulling their substantive funding of Planned Parenthood? What do you account for that kind of broad base reaction and hostility? LAMERAND: I think we were all pretty surprised by that, and delighted, not by the misstep, because that’s how we viewed it, but really by the way social media allowed people to have their say. I think what the message came out over and over again, is that it’s not “their” money any more than the money we take in as donations. People give us their precious and hard-earned dollars and they trust us to be good stewards of that money and to do with it as we say we will. Many Komen supporters are also Planned Parenthood supporters, which surprised them, not us. We knew that. They also had always been a non-partisan breast cancer organization, and that move took them out of that realm. DOWNTOWN: Planned Parenthood provides breast exams, HIV testing and counseling, Pap tests, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Let’s talk about those services, which seem to get less notice. How often do you detect a women’s breast cancer? What is your protocol in those instances? What about other gynecological cancers? HIV and AIDs seem to get less attention today. How prevalent is in southeastern Michigan? How do you help women and children who come to Planned Parenthood receive treatment and counseling? Do you refer them out, or do you provide those services? LAMERAND: Most women we see are young

and healthy, but young women get breast cancer. While Planned Parenthood does not offer mammograms at most of our centers nationwide, mammograms is more of a later in life screening option. The first screening for most young women is clinical breast exams, and without Planned Parenthood services, many women would not have access to that. Abnormal cervical issues that are found on Pap exams are very common occurrences and we insure that women can care for that. We refer it out if it is an issue we can’t help with. HIV and AIDS are more prevalent than people realize. New cases of HIV infection are more prevalent among women, and we see a fair number. We don’t provide ongoing treatment. Our whole focus is on prevention, so we can provide more to more people than if we were all things to all people. DOWNTOWN: Does Planned Parenthood offer adoption services and counseling? If so, why do you think that message is lost in the din of other noise surrounding Planned Parenthood? LAMERAND: It does not, but it has a large and robust referral system with Catholic Social Services in Ann Arbor, and other adoption services that can make those arrangements. We get accused of not offering that as an option, and that is absolutely erroneous. When we have a women with an unintended pregnancy, we lay out the options factually, in terms of what she may do, without direction, and then give her referrals. Unfortunately, adoption is not a popular option. DOWNTOWN: It’s reported that lesbians receive less frequent gynecological care than heterosexual women, thereby placing them at greater risk for gynecological cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. Does Planned Parenthood do anything to help with that community, and to bridge the gap in communication with the LGBT community? LAMERAND: We’ve worked in concert with the LGBT community for a long time. But it’s one of the places I think we haven’t done enough. With our new center in Ferndale, my hope is to offer our services in a more robust fashion, reach out, offer services like uterine insemination, hormone therapy for people who are in gender transition, those sorts of things. The statistics do show that lesbian women get uterine, breast, ovarian cancer at the same rate as heterosexual women, but they die almost three times as often because they’re not caught soon enough. We know that people who identify with gender issues are not comfortable with the health care industry, so we have been working very diligently to try to insure that SCAN FOR AUDIO our staff all have the proper training and understanding of that community so that we can more proactively engage Lori Lamerand in their health care.

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BACK ON THE CITY STREETS BY LISA BRODY

here are, in some cities, homeless men and women in every doorway and alley you pass. As you walk down some streets, you are accosted by panhandlers begging for change, a dollar, a cup of coffee, a meal, a drink. They're not choosy; they're desperate for something, anything to feed their body, palliate their soul. Some hold up crudely written signs recounting their circumstances as a veteran, as someone who is unemployed, in need of rehab, or a bed for the night. Desperation reeks as strongly as their stench.

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In Birmingham, businesses and residents are not confronted by dozens of homeless individuals on a daily basis. A portion of homeless people are constantly in transit, be they men, women, families, or teens on their own. While some transients step off SEMTA busses to try to hustle the “rich” in Birmingham out of dollar or two, in actuality there are just a few regular homeless individuals who call Birmingham “home.” ith the return of more pleasant warm weather, they have returned to the city. One, a handsome African American man in his early thirties, was profiled by this publication last summer. He disappeared one day last winter when it got cold; he reappeared recently, wearing new designer clothes, particularly a bright red Sean John jacket, likely gifts from his mother, who lives in another suburb, and is anguished over his lifestyle. A deeply religious woman, she has not been able to accept that he may have a mental illness, nor that he is homeless. “He is not homeless,” she said. “He has a home to come to. I want him home. I love him. He does not need to be there. He wants to be. I come out all of the time and beg him to come into the car.” But he does want to be here. Experts on homelessness note that the homeless can include the “unsheltered,” a segment of the homeless who do not have ordinary lawful access to buildings to sleep in. They're often referred to as “street people.” Some do have access to homes or to shelters. But they prefer to be out in the streets, to live as homeless individuals. Some have families and homes to return to, but either because of mental illness, abuse or other reasons, choose to live on the streets. Some are teens on the run from abusive situations, are drug addicted, or have been thrown out of their family homes, and feel they have no place to go, unaware there are shelters where they can go. According to HUD, a “chronically homeless” individual is someone who “is an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.” As noted previously, the African American man often seen wandering Birmingham is soft-spoken and polite. He said he likes being in Birmingham. “It's a nice place. I like being here,” he said. He said he spends a lot of time in Baldwin Library and in Shain Park, and that he walks around a lot. He said he always sleeps inside, pointing to vacant storefronts. When asked how he gets inside, he said, “I just do,” refusing to elaborate. He said he never sleeps outdoors. Retailers, several restaurateurs, and the police either accommodate him, or leave him alone. He is seen walking along, talking to himself, or to some imaginary confidant. Occasionally, he can be seen having an argument with himself, fighting into the air, or even with himself. Coming across him in this agitated state can be alarming. “From our experience, most (homeless individuals) have problems with mental illness,” said Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt. “There's no place any longer to take them. From what we have seen, it's not an economic thing, it's a mental health item.” Those with mental illnesses comprise a significant percentage of the nation's, and local shelters report, of our local homeless population. Those suffering from severe depression can be classified in this group, as well. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of the single adult homeless population suffer from some form of severe and persistent mental illness, and about 40 percent are alcohol and substance abusers, with about 15 percent suffering both disabilities. According to James Wright of Tulane University, who has studied the prevalence of alcohol and other drug abuse among the homeless population, has found that 38 percent of homeless people are alcohol abusers, vs. 10 percent of the general population, and that 13 percent of homeless people are drug abusers. Sometimes the homeless man seems to be yelling at himself, or to

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others passing by, or he can be seen hitting himself. “If you see him talking to himself, beating on himself, or if you're worried, call us, and we'll take care of the situation,” Studt said. He talks to the man's mother about once a month, “and the poor woman is just tortured over it. We tried to help him get a job last year, but it didn't work out. He just couldn't keep it. But we try to help.” Birmingham has several familiar figures who would appear to be homeless, like an older woman who can often be seen on a bench outside of the CVS drugstore on S. Old Woodward, attempting to panhandle from those walking by. Or on a bench on Henrietta Street, a man who appears much older but could be any age, can be found many the mornings as office workers carrying their laptops and coffees trudge into offices. He sits slumped over, with layers of coats and sweaters over his torso, nails as black as women who paint them in trendy black colors, but from the elements, not a fancy salon. Sometimes he appears to be asleep, other times, glazed over, staring. At times, he fixes his eyes on a pedestrian, penetrating and boring his gaze into them with a disconcerting stare. Many late afternoons, on the return walk back to the parking garage, he can still be found sitting in the same position, as if he hasn't moved the entire day. Maybe he hasn't. Other days, he's nowhere to be found. Studt noted, “There is nothing illegal about standing on a street corner. And what is illegal about sitting or sleeping in the park during the day? Nothing. There's no ordinance that says they can't sit on a bench or wander around. Their appearance may disturb some people, but there's nothing illegal about it.” He acknowledges that people don't like seeing people who are obviously homeless around their downtown, but since there is no law or ordinance preventing them from being out and about, on the streets, sitting on benches or sunning themselves peacefully in the park, they are free and welcome to be in Birmingham, as long as they follow the laws of Birmingham, and don't bother or harass people. onna Elmir, communications director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said, “Essentially it's a First Amendment issue. Last year we worked with the Royal Oak City Commission to repeal an unconstitutional ordinance punishing peaceful panhandling on public sidewalks. What they realized after our advocacy is that not only is it wrong, it's illegal (to have the ordinance). There's nothing illegal about peacefully asking for money on public sidewalks which is their free speech right.” Elmir pointed out that both state and federal courts have consistently ruled that public begging has been protected as free speech under the First Amendment. She also acknowledged that the homeless population in Michigan has grown over the last several years as people have lost their jobs, benefits, and ultimately, their homes. “As long as the economic crisis continues, when there is a shortage of beds, there will be homeless people on the streets,” Elmir said. “It's not a crime to be poor in Michigan, and no punishment is more cruel than being arrested for something that is completely out of your control. We believe that removing from sight the reminders of public poverty is not the answer. We need laws and practices that provide compassionate solutions to our growing homeless population.” “After hours, after the park closes, they have to move along. Frequently, we offer to take people to homeless shelters. Some of the homeless who come into town are just transients,” Studt said. “Some take us up on it, some don't. We do transport those who are willing to shelters. “The others, you do wonder where they disappear to at night. We (the police) have no idea.”

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05.12

“Up North…It’s How Vacationing Is Done!” Marty Moody 866-582-9663

Chris Christensen 866-498-2273

Text Me At:

231-633-2500

231-675-1144

27 S. Lake Street - Boyne City, MI 49712

A VIEW FROM ABOVE!

PRISTINE WALLOON! Life doesn't get any better, and the waterfront parcels definitely don't get any bigger than this fabulous property set on the ever popular Walloon Lake! With an unprecedented 71 acres and 1,775' of pristine untouched waterfront, this is a once in a lifetime chance to purchase something of this grandeur! $1,575,000

That is the only way to describe the views from this fabulous custom built beauty! Attention to every detail has been taken in the building of this 3400 sq. ft. home. With views overlooking Boyne City and those crystal blue waters of Lake Charlevoix from every room! $359,900

Tucked neatly at the edge of Boyne City you will find this incredible oasis of amenities. Almost 4,000 sq. ft. of every option you could ever want...it even has an elevator! The 4+ car garage, woodshop, and pole barn would make anyone lower their jaw in awe! $249,900

105' LAKE CHARLEVOIX!

OASIS OF AMENITIES!

Be in just in time for Summer on the ever sought after Lake Charlevoix! This incredible opportunity offers 2 small cabins, one larger cabin, and a garage perched at the edge of the crystal blue waters of one of Michigan's finest gems! $199,900

THREE'S THE CHARM!

400' DIRECT FRONTAGE!

PERFECT 2ND HOME!

FORECLOSURE KING!

Here it is, the chance you've been looking for! Buy this remodeled Tri-plex a block off from Lake Charlevoix and live in the lower level, while the other two units pay your way to living in paradise. The perfect way to have your cake and eat it too! $169,900

Wow! Here is your opportunity to obtain this amazing waterfront compound. The home sits perched just off the waters edge, and overlooking all of Deer Lake. Incredible hard sand bottom frontage, large pole building, and 2 acres of property make this a steal! $229,000

There is a lot of potential packed into this bank owned gem. Set in beautiful Boyne City, this 3 bed/1 bath home has quaint written all over it. The oversized corner lot leaves room for a lot of outdoor fun, be it gardening or horseshoes summer in Northern Michigan is the best! $59,400

Wow! This 6700 sq. ft. gem boasts an incredible 125' on the always coveted Torch Lake as part of its pedigree! 5 beds, 3 baths, includes fireplace, central air, an elevator, and a roomy 2.3 acres of bliss! Don't miss your once in a lifetime chance for this gem! $589,900

BANK OWNED STEAL!

THE EAGLES PERCH! Have you found yourself dreaming of that fabulous Up North log home.....well dream no more! Here is a fabulous deal on this 2700 sq. ft. log home, on 8 acres overlooking serene Deer Lake, and the entire surrounding countryside. Completely redone in 2010! $199,900

Are you ready for the deal of the year! This awesome 4 bedroom / 3 bath condo sits overlooking the Harborage Marina, and is completely move-in ready! 2-car attached garage, an owners lock-off unit, and a two block stroll to town are all icing on the cake! $220,100

You have to see this incredible setting to believe it! This home is literally perched at the waters edge, you will never be able to duplicate this setting, as you can sit in your deck chair and cast your line into the calm Deer Lake water. Oh, and the home is turn-key immaculate! $349,900

CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION!

THE WATERS EDGE!

Mom and dad, here is your chance to have your home on the water, and one for the kids too! That’s right, you get two homes overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lake Charlevoix for one price! And what a price it is, deals like this are hard to come by! $599,900

Visit our website at…www.WhyLyndas.com or Join us on Facebook/lyndasrealestate.com downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at Esch Road

LAKE LEELANAU

GLEN LAKE

BOATERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARADISE WORLD. Class North Lake Leelanau. Private lakeside retreat. Gorgeous surroundings. Superior details and exceptional craftsmanship. Sophisticated and sporty design. Main house, guest house, custom boat house, sunsets and sandy beach. 21 miles of boating pleasure right outside your door! 275 feet of shoreline, 1.58 acres. $3,900,000. "OO .BSJF .JUDIFMM t Annmarie@AnnMarieMitchell.com XXX $#(SFBU-BLFT DPN

FABULOUS GLEN LAKE. Stunning property with 229 feet private water frontage, turquoise water views, nestled amongst towering pines and oaks and minutes to great restaurants. This classic log cabin is updated with modern conveniences and includes a beach house at the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. $2,750,000

46("3 4"/% #&"$) (-&/ -",& This cottage beckons family summer memories that can begin this summer. With 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, master bedroom suite, sun room, multiple patios, fireplace and ample boat storage, located on a spacious lot, this cottage makes for a great vacation opportunity. $1,350,000

LEELANAU COUNTY

GLEN ARBOR/LAKE MICHIGAN

$"5)&"% #": #&"$) )064&â&#x20AC;Ś Pure Magic! This is the type of home that dreams are made ofâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;bright, clean, cozy yet polished. The design appears effortless, yet it is elegant, beautiful & beachy. Superior finishes & extraordinary details. Master suite and 4 guest en suites are magical. 258 ft of sugar sand on Lake Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathead Bay, 3.7 acres. $3,900,000. "OO .BSJF .JUDIFMM t Annmarie@AnnMarieMitchell.com XXX $#(SFBU-BLFT DPN

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Overlooking the tranquil beauty of Lake Michigan, LeBear Luxury Residential Club and Spa rekindles the majesty and grace of Leelanauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Resort Lodge Era. Fractionals available. 1/8th interest from $150,000. -JTB 4DINJEU Tour the resort at www.LeBearResort.com

SCHMIDT FAMILY OF COMPANIES DOWNTOWN

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RIVER FRONTAGE

BENZIE COUNTY. Lovely secluded home on 43a with frontage on the Little Betsie River. Hot water heat, A/C and 5 decks. 10 min. to Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa and direct access to the Rails to Trails. Underground electric, garage with hobby room. Large pole barn with 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122; overhead doors and finished rooms. $459,000. ,BSFO - #VSOT t karen.burns@cbgreatlakes.com XXX $#(SFBU-BLFT DPN

05.12

TRANSIT

CENTER TROY READY TO MOVE FORWARD BY LISA BRODY

fter 12 years of discussions, proposals, grants, architectural renderings, and municipal reviews, decisions, and reconsiderations, it looks like a transit center is finally going to be built by the side of the railroad tracks. But instead of being the Birmingham/Troy multimodal transit center, it will be the Troy transit center, because as of April 2011, Birmingham opted out of the project when an inability to reasonably acquire land for a passenger tunnel and undetermined costs put the project in jeopardy. For months, it was uncertain whether Troy would proceed on its own, with a new city council and a Tea Party mayor initially voting against accepting the allotted federal funding. In January of this year, by a margin of 4 to 3, the Troy City Council voted to approve a revised proposal that provides that a new $6.3 million transit center be built on land initially donated in 2000 by the Grand Sakwa Properties LLC development company of Farmington Hills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have hired the engineering firm of Hubbell, Roth & Clark and the architectural firm of Neumann/Smith. Tooles/Clark is the construction manager at risk, and we've kicked off the project. We've just started the final design as a team,â&#x20AC;? said Mark Miller, director of economic and community development for the city of Troy.

It's been a long and winding road from the plastic bus shelter-like waiting area currently masquerading as a train station in the rear of Birmingham's Rail District to receiving federal funding and beginning final drawings of a multimodal transit hub at Maple just east of Eton Road. The lingering saga initially began when Grand Sakwa sought approvals for the parcel of land at the corner of Maple and Coolidge roads in Troy, which had previously been the Ford New Holland Tractor site, but which was owned by Fiat at that time. Grand Sakwa wanted to develop the land into a shopping center with apartments and/or condominiums, and filed a lawsuit against the city to get the site's zoning changed. A consent judgement allowed for the desired development, with the condition that Grand Sakwa provide Troy four acres of land at the Birmingham border against the railroad tracks with the specific use as a transit center. Troy could qualify for ownership of the land and the transit center as long as they were able to acquire funding and begin construction by June, 2010. They did acquire the funding, or at least the promise of it, which led Grand Sakwa, who had developed the property into Midtown Square Center and The Village at Midtown Square, to sue Troy to re-acquire the four acres.

Birmingham… Your Neighborhood. Your Community. Your Lifestyle.

Birmingham / 2255 Fairway / $1,199,000 Absolutely Designer Perfect! Rare 4300sf 5 bedroom/5.2 bath home on large lot. Open floor plan, custom trim throughout, granite, hardwood floors. Beautiful Chefs Kitchen open to breakfast room and great room. Huge Master Suite w spacious closets. Finished lower level w daylight windows, marble fireplace and full bath. 5th bedroom as possible In-Law Suite/Nanny's Quarters. Close to Birmingham Country Club!

Birmingham / 1738 Fairview / $875,000 Under Construction! Fabulous 3300sf New Construction by Beshouri Homes/In Town in Quarton Lake Estates. This Cottage Tudor offers 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, open floor plan with large kitchen, spacious master suite, plus offers an additional 1040sf for future expansion 640sf unfinished third floor bonus area and 400sf unfinished garage loft! Still time to choose your own details and paint colors!

“Build to Suit” 691 Harmon Plans also available for proposed New Construction Birmingham / 691 Harmon / $1,225,000 Much sought after in-town corner lot! Currently planning for 4000sf, 4 bedrooms, 3 car garage. Two blocks from everything Birmingham has to offer. Beshouri Homes/In Town will create your dream home. Bring your own plans or work with our architect. Call for details!

Jill Beshouri - 248-496-9464

275 South Old Woodward Avenue

Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Grand Sakwa alleged that the transit center was not actually funded in the proper time since grant funding had not all been received in hand. Grand Sakwa filed a new motion that their original consent judgment stipulated, at least in part, that the transit center had to be fully-funded by June 2, 2010, and that if that didn't occur, the property would revert back to the company. “We have an act of congress, signed on December 18, 2009 by the president, and if that isn't proof, I do not know what is,” said Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker in September 2010. “We have a signed agreement for a LED grant for $250,000. Birmingham and Troy have set aside $1.6 million combined. And we have received $8.4 million of stimulus money, which was announced on January 28, 2010.” Grand Sakwa's contention about federal funding not actually being in hand proved a difficult line, because as Miller pointed out, a municipality must first expend the money, and then the federal government reimburses it. The city of Troy prevailed against Grand Sakwa at the circuit court level in January 2012, said Troy City Attorney Lori Bloom. “We're proceeding because we prevailed. Nothing says we can't go forward. We view it as a final judgement,” she said. Grand Sakwa has applied for leave to appeal, she said, meaning they cannot just appeal the circuit court judgement, but must ask the court's permission to do so, which has not yet been ruled on. In the mean time, Troy has all of their ducks lined up. “We have a grant agreement which was executed in September 2011,” Miller said. “We will never receive the federal funds. We have to front the funds and get reimbursed for them.” Michele Hodges, president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, noted, “Once you start spending federal funding, you can't just stop. If you stop the project, you have to reimburse all of the money. Many of the contracts have been approved and awarded. It would be very difficult to abort the project now.” he plans for the transit center have been altered since the days when the two municipalities were working together. The Great Recession, 2010 election, and construction realities settled in. Miller said it will still be a multimodal station, meaning it will provide transit options for multiple forms of transportation. It was always designed to be a hub for Amtrak train usage, regional SMART bus, taxi, and will have bicycle racks and bike storage units. “Hopefully there will be charging stations for electric cars, as well,” said Steve Vandette, Troy city engineer and project engineer. A plan to include rental cars at the transit center has been scrapped, at least for the time being. As regional transit is being designed to progress down Woodward Avenue, most likely in the form of rapid busses, it is still uncertain if there would be a way to connect to a regional transit hub in Troy. “The goal is to have a connection, a transfer, where rapid transit ends at Maple and Woodward to the transit center hub,” Vandette said, while acknowledging that he is not aware if any discussions have occurred between Troy and rapid transit advocates. When Birmingham was involved, a tunnel beneath the train tracks had been designed to provide passenger access from the transit center on the Troy side of the tracks to entry to the trains on the Birmingham side of the tracks, as it has always been. When the initial transit center proposal was being developed, it was discovered that while passenger trains that travel on existing tracks are owned and operated by Amtrak, the tracks themselves are owned and operated by the Canadian National Railway. Canadian National would not allow passengers to access the tracks from the Troy side, nor would they allow passengers to walk across the tracks to get to the Birmingham side. The initial idea of a passenger tunnel, which would have been 16-feet wide by 11-feet high under the tracks, proved to be Birmingham's undoing. On the Birmingham side, the city had one of two desired parcels under contract, having purchased it from Birmingham Schools, located on Holland Street. A second parcel, on Edgemere, was the subject of an offer by the city, but the landowner came back with double the appraised value—$900,000. After spending more than they had ever planned to in the first place, Birmingham's city commission balked—and walked. By rejecting the acquisition, commissioner Tom McDaniels said it meant Birmingham would no longer be partnering with Troy to build a regional transit center to be operated by both municipalities. “With this action, that's it. That's the end of our participation,” McDaniels said. “We have been very prudent with our funds, and we have exercised our fiduciary obligation to explore an opportunity for the residents of the city, and we've determined that this is not going to work,” concurred commissioner Stuart Sherman. “The final straw, from our standpoint, was that we could not reach an agreement to purchase Edgemere property, a piece owned by the Erb

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THE CHOICE Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield Our print edition, mailed to homes in Birmingham/Bloomfield, plus newsstands, at the start of each month. Full-color. Upscale design. Strong editorial environment. DowntownPublications.com Our on-line rendition of the print version, plus updates during each week as news breaks in the local area. Facebook.com/DowntownPublications Constant updates from our publishing group. Twitter.com/DowntownPubs One more way to keep local residents updated on quick items of interest in Birmingham/Bloomfield. The Guide The annual community directory providing information on local, county and state government, pubic and private schools, houses of worship, hospitals, parks and much more. Mailed to local residents. Black Book of Non-Profits Our annual guide to the major and minor fund-raising events in the world of non-profit groups in southeast Michigan from November each year until the end of October in the following year. A must read (and save) for those who help underwrite the efforts of the community groups by their attendance at the major social happenings each year. Mailed to local residents.

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family. They wanted twice what the city felt it was worth. We were not going to waste city or federal dollars for an opportunistic land owner.” Further, Sherman noted, “requirements from C&N tend to be very stringent. There would have had to be an indemnification agreement, where, if you are digging around railroad tracks, such as for a pedestrian tunnel, and at some point there is a derailment, you're liable.” Fast forward a year, and Troy no longer is building a tunnel, but a bridge to the Birmingham side. “The feds had us do an environmental engineering assessment and that determined the loading on the Birmingham side,” Troy's Miller said. He emphasized the budget for it was much less than the pedestrian tunnel. In fact, the entire budget for the project has been scaled back. The initial $8.4 million proposal was scaled back to $6.3 million, both to accommodate the wishes of Troy councilman Wade Fleming, who was the turnaround vote between December 2011 and January 2012, and because Troy would be bearing all of the costs. Troy Mayor Janice Daniels continued to object because, as a Tea Party member, she does not believe a local municipality should receive federal funding and be beholden to the federal government. iller noted that the current budget includes “everything, from design, permitting, construction management fee, and a 15 percent construction contingency fee for unknowns and acts of God,” he said. If they are able to proceed as desired, he said he hopes to break ground in September, 2012, with construction actively beginning in October. Vandette said construction will take approximately 18 months to completion. “We pared a couple of million dollars because, first, Birmingham is no longer involved, and we redesigned it to make it more basic. We included everything but got rid of things that were unnecessary,” Miller said. He noted they were using more modest materials on the pedestrian bridge, including reducing the amount of glass. The building has been scaled back to 2,000 square feet from 2,400 square feet. They also eliminated decorative sidewalk finishes, decrease the amount of landscaping, and they eliminated all of the geothermal heating and cooling elements added. “We reduced and eliminated all of the sustainable, LEED elements,” he said. “We trimmed quite a bit of costs.” A geothermal system would be cheaper in the long run to operate, but the city was looking strictly at construction costs, and a compromise to get the transit center built was important for the city, which had a lot at stake from a business point-of-view. “A Michigan Municipal League survey published what is a critical asset for a 21st century community, and transit is one of them. We support that. It's the great equalizer. It provides access to the workplace; it's the common denominator to all peer communities. It's the denominator for youth and for the elderly,” said Troy Chamber's Hodges. “We see it as a responsible investment in jobs creation. We believe in fiscal conservancy, but this is an asset that will help preserve and create jobs in Troy.” Hodges fully understands the importance of jobs to Troy. In December, after the Troy City Council initially voted down the $8.4 million transit center proposal, she heard from several businesses, large and small, who were furious about what they perceived as a small-minded decision to stymie Troy's growth. Notably, Magna International, whose U.S. headquarters are in Troy, wrote they would reconsider Troy for “future site considerations, expansions or new job creations.” Following the approval, Hodges said, “What really put strength behind this was the diversity of support behind this effort (for approval). Large corporations, big businesses, small businesses, labor, agencies, research institutions, educational institutions, K-12...it ran the gamut, and that's a testimony that it speaks to all and is not a narrowly-focused asset, and that gave us the confidence to go forward. We knew we were not some radical effort trying to get something done.” Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner noted that a lot of Birmingham residents are concerned about the lack of a Birmingham connection to the transit center. “It has been the Birmingham train tracks for as long as it's been here. I would like to find a way to be involved with it still, and we're thinking of ways to keep the access on our side. The question is, is there any way we can connect to the platform on the Birmingham side. A lot of our residents are concerned about that,” he said, while acknowledging that Birmingham and Troy have not been in communication over possibilities. “We are designing it to have a hook up with Birmingham if they got access or they could construct access,” Miller replied. “But at this time, we're moving forward, and they have elected to opt out of the process.”

DOWNTOWN

05.12

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M ore Birmingham and Bloomfield homeowners choose SKBK to market their properties than any other Brokerage.

skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

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

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield Hills $3,999,000 Exquisite custom designed home! First floor master suite with 2,000 sq ft, complete with laundry room, stone fireplace opening to office and paneled Library. Spectacular setting with piazza-styled patios and pillared logia. Walkout garden level with full kitchen, great room and theater. Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212033005.

Oakland Township $2,999,000 Magnificent Architectural Masterpiece on 2.68 acres with 19,684 total square footage! Solid Cherry Wood doors, imported exterior limestone and grand entry. Endless details with soaring barrel ceilings and eleven fireplaces. Entertaining is accommodated throughout with billiards room, music room and three level theater. Sparkling pool, pool house, hot tub, exterior fireplace grace the outdoors. Five bedrooms with 7.2 baths. 212023941.

Ronni Keating

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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

Bloomfield Hills $949,000

Birmingham $899,900

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

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

Sara Lipnitz

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $1,390,000 Beautiful, newer custom Colonial on 1.3 acre hilltop setting. Wooded, cul-de-sac site close to Oakland Hills Country Club. Gourmet kitchen with large granite island. First floor master suite. Sun room off kitchen. Open floor plan. Finished walk out lower level with stone fireplace, billiard room, exercise room, fifth bedroom and full kitchen/bar area. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 212011897

Birmingham $1,095,000

Bloomfield Hills $775,000 - $1,400,000

Meticulously maintained, newer Quarton Lake Estates residence. Quality construction with many custom features & detailed woodwork. Custom paneled library, Brazilian cherry floors, large open kitchen with granite island, three season sun room. Finished lower level. Private fenced yard with brick wall & paver patio.Â Three bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212012866

"Barton Hills' this new gated community is exquisitely located within the city of Bloomfield Hills. Architectural, construction review and approval are required. Some architectural concepts are available for consideration. Development is beautifully treed, has wonderful contour and grand views.

Mike Cotter & Paula Law

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $799,999 A Birmingham Treasure, this Landmark 19th Century Farmhouse has been lovingly restored and redesigned by Jeffrey King, giving the home modern appeal. Expansive front porch welcomes you to an elegant interior of inviting rooms that are practical for everyday living and entertaining, including formal living room and dining room, family room and library. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. Can be sold in combination with adjacent property at a reduced price. 212036579

Birmingham $499,999 Gracious "farm house" style home with wrap around porch, soaring ceilings and an open floor plan has custom kitchen, great room with fireplace, study, first floor laundry and bath. Second floor bedroom suite with full bath and finished lower level with family room and full bath. Two bedrooms with three baths. Can be sold in combination with adjacent property at a reduced price. 212036578

Renee Lossia Acho

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield Hills $2,995,000 Elegant Bloomfield Hills Estate Home on over two manicured acres. This beautifully updated home offers a Grand Entrance with marble flooring. Master Suite with marble bath and fireplace, large formal dining room. Hardwood flooring throughout first floor. Finished lower with Theater, Bar and Family Room. Bonus third level! Four bedrooms with 6.1 baths. Also for Lease. 212022826

Franklin Village $1,499,000 Outstanding Franklin Village Estate nestled on 2.4 acres. Extensively updated in 2003 by Jeffrey King. A beautifully appointed master suite with fireplace, sitting area and heated floors in bath. Three additional bedroom suites. Finished walk out lower level with theater, kitchen/bar, bath, game area and second family room. Four bedrooms with 4.3 baths. Co-Listor Susan Sillman 212026281

Cindy Obron Kahn

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Metamora $2,199,999 Spectacular Gated, Island, European Lodge. Full log Douglas Fir construction, 51 beautiful acres with pond and Flint River frontage. First floor with 5,500 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft in the walk out lower level. Exceptional great room with custom timber trusses and Tulikivi Stove. Chef's upscale kitchen with high end appliances. Five bedrooms with five baths. 211102304

Lake Huron Frontage $1,599,000

Metamora $1,125,000

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

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

David Busch

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,899,000 Fabulous South Shore Newer Construction on one acre! First floor master suite with bedroom five and six are In-Law Suites in finished lower level. 4,200 sq ft on first floor and an additional 2,600 sq ft in lower level. Stone fireplaces. Deck and patio are lakeside. Six car heated garage. Six bedrooms with 5.2 baths.

Lake Angelus Frontage $999,900

Lake Angelus Frontage $795,000

Over 3,100 sq ft walkout Ranch on 6.26 acres with 140' of Lake Angelus frontage and an additional 1,400 sq. ft in finished lower level. Horse barn, Pole barn, Tack room, fences and corrals. Fabulous views with lots of potential for your own personal touch. Horses and Lake Angelus views, the best of both worlds. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212026765.

Perfect for Entertaining. Beautiful Newer Construction on Pristine Lake Angelus with views from almost every room. Decks off all rooms lake side. Almost 5,000 sq ft including finished walkout lower level. Privacy and nature abounds. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212025056.

Lee Embrey

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Brandon Township $829,000 A slice of Paradise on this 42 acre retreat on Hummer Lake. Great fishing on this 12 acre private lake. Two level Brick Ranch with 5,500 sq ft of living space including a private guest wing. Two par 3 golf holes. 30 x 50 Pole Barn. Walk out lower level and terraced garden. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths.Â 212036250.

White Lake Township $379,000 Former model on premium lot and backs to protected wetlands with ponds. Over 4,500 sq ft of finished living space. Lot of upgrades; granite in kitchen, island, hardwood floors, unique crown moldings, exquisite window treatments. Finished walkout lower level with family room, entertainment area and kitchen. First floor master with luxurious bath. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 211129668.

Beverly McCotter

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Franklin Village $2,075,000

Birmingham $664,000

This Outstanding Estate Home has the quality and amenities that could not be reproduced at this price. Grand cathedral foyer, with 22 ft ceilings. Main floor and lower level gourmet kitchens. Walkout to the pool area and gazebo. Manicured grounds with Koi ponds and waterfalls. Four bedrooms with 6.1 baths. 212026313.

A Custom builders own home! Walk into a cathedral foyer. Quad-level construction. This home is immaculate inside. Features of this home include all upgraded finishes, a grand Master Suite and bathroom with a jetted tub, custom granite kitchen, covered back deck with lots of big open windows and a brick paver driveway. Four bedrooms and 3.1 baths. 212028211.

Forest Lake Frontage $635,000

Birmingham $410,000

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

Classic Colonial home close to everything Birmingham has to offer! Featuring a fully renovated kitchen with new appliances. Large master bedroom, a sitting room and lost of space for the family. Four bedrooms with two baths. 212032877.

Dan Gutfreund

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $1,299,000 Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship in this 5,000 sq ft home. Beautiful curved arches and wood flooring. Granite Chef's kitchen opens to breakfast room and spacious family room with fireplace. Luxurious master suite with fireplace, oversized walk-in closet, separate vanity area, full size whirlpool and separate large shower stall. All bedrooms are suites. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212004903.

Auburn Hills $360,000

Rochester Hills $248,500

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

Large four bedroom Colonial in popular Brookdale Woods Subdivision. Hardwood floors, updated kitchen, baths, new windows, sky lighted family room with wet bar and fireplace. New brick paver front walk and step. Situated on a large rolling wooded lot backing to a common area. A Must See!Â Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212036925.

Donna Barlow

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Lake Oakland Frontage 1,899,000 Very private waterfront Estate on 1.64 acres with 187 lake frontage. Two story great room, granite counter in large open custom kitchen and baths. Two master bedroom suites, three fireplaces and finished lower level with family room and more. Wrap around porch leading to in-ground pool and professionally landscaped. Six car heated garage. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212034610

Island Lake Frontage $1,189,000 Panoramic view of Kirk in the Hills. Secluded, Gated 1.9 acres on premium estate size lot with 136 ft of lake frontage . French Chateau completely updated in 2009, inside and out! New irrigation and drive, Cherrywood floors, two gas fireplaces, granite and dark Cherrywood custom kitchen. Finished lower level. New furnace in 2012. A rare treasure. Four bedrooms with four baths. 212035677

RW Watson

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $2,500,000 A truly distinctive residence designed by Dominick Tringali and constructed with great care by Kellett Construction. Situated on a picturesque 1.89 acre cul-de-sac parcel accented by the Rouge River; this 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom French manor home encompasses over 8500 square feet of living space on three above grade levels. Exquisite finishes include; mahogany library, first floor master suite, exercise room, hearth room, two kitchens, two bonus rooms, four car garage, blue stone terrace and screened porch. Many more amenities await your enjoyment. 212035436

Bloomfield $1,595,000 Captivating interior renovation! This reconfigured floor plan is absolutely perfect. Kitchen with fireplace features Bosch, Subzero, Miele and Thermador stainless steel appliances. Romantic master suite with spa bath and fireplace. French doors lead guests from interior living spaces to beautiful brick terrace and yard. Third floor bonus room with wet bar, skylights and storage area. Expansive finished lower level. Five bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 211118114.

Darlene Jackson

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $3,999,000 Spectacular fully updated Tudor on estate sized lot. Manicured grounds with new in-ground pool with large cabana. Huge gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances. Family room has custom stone fireplace, all baths updated. Totally new master suite with custom ceramic bath and extra large walk in closet. Three car heated garage has full apartment on second level. Great family home with putting green and volley ball court. Close to downtown Birmingham.Â Six bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212012211.

Bloomfield $689,000 Stunning one of a kind, 4400 sq ft Condo in the Hills of Lone Pine. Recently renovated with luxurious details and exceptional quality. Residence has huge first floor master suite, elegant marble master bath, large gourmet kitchen and an open floor plan with soaring ceilings. Dramatic two story entry, three car heated garage, exceptional views of pond/waterfall from patio and screened porch. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212020027.

Kelly & Gerald Etue

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $1,425,000 Beautiful and Unique Contemporary Home designed by Young and Young nestled on 1.23 acre lot. Dramatic foyer wrapped in imported marble sitting under a 16 x 16 skylight that brings the outside in. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the rolling hills. Complete spa with jacuzzi tub, game room, five fireplaces, marble and hardwood flooring throughout. Four car garage, brick pavers, second kitchen and beautiful gardens surround the home. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 212037852.

Grand Foyer

Rear Exterior

Open Floor Plan

Dee Brooks

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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

Elba Township $1,161,000

Bloomfield Hills $639,000

Spectacular Country Estate! Schooltz Custom Designed home on 124 beautiful acres.Chef's kitchen with Keeping Room, high end finishes and fireplace. Large designer perfect great room with fireplace. First floor master. Walk out lower level with kitchen and bedroom with game room and family room. Five stall horse barn and two pole barns. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212032928. Presented by David Busch

Lovely maintained Colonial in Bloomfield Hills on a one acre hilltop setting. Open floor plan features large family room/great room with stone fireplace. Updated kitchen, library with wet bar. Three car garage. Three bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 212038076. Presented by Ronni Keating

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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

Bingham Farms Village $719,000

Troy $560,000

Beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home built in 2007. Top of the line finishes and neutral colors through-out. Large windows face a wonderful yard part of which is a protected nature preserve. Finished lower level with media room and more.. Birmingham Schools. Six bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212026199. Presented by Candice Cuyler

Desirable Oak River East Subdivision. Custom Cherry kitchen with granite counters and high end stainless steel appliances. Large family room with custom window treatments and stunning Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors. Large yard with deck and gorgeous perennials. Four bedrooms 3.1 baths. 212039133. Presented by Joanne McGuire

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $899,000 Magnificent Home with views of Oakland Hills Club House on the 16th hole of the South course. Spacious granite kitchen with top of the line appliances and drenched with sunlight. Finished basement with full bath and sauna. Master with work out area and small balcony. Six bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212003249. Presented by Molly Henneghan & Kris Barich

Bloomfield $849,000

Pine Lake Frontage $425,000

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

Rare corner half acre lot with 150 feet of lake frontage. Downsize to this lovely Ranch, use as local lake home or build your dream house. Spacious layout with two fireplaces and great views from every window. New sea wall. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 212029996. Presented by Susan Kissick

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $849,900 This spectacular home sits in one of Birmingham's most desirable neighborhoods. Designed by Wallace Frost and built by Albert Kahn. Hardwood floors, pewabic tiles, large living room with oversized fireplace, elegant dining room, radiant in floor heat in the garden room. Master suite with balcony overlooking patio and private fenced yard with secret perennial garden! Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths.Â 212017776. Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Oakland Township $797,000

Bloomfield $775,000

Extremely well maintained and built with high quality craftsmanship. This home is situated on 2.6 acres backing to Paint Creek and Paint Creek Trail. Finished basement with kitchen, wet bar, fireplace and full bath. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212008354. Presented by Anthony Scaccia

Sought after Chestnut Run. Stunning custom built hilltop Executive home with circular driveway. Impressive great room with 18 ft ceilings and fireplace. First floor master suite. Upstairs balcony overlooks heated indoor pool. Fantastic walkout lower level. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths.Â 212024820. Presented by Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $499,000 New to the market is this beautiful Poppleton Park center entrance Colonial! Traditional decor with flare. Hardwood floors, lovely kitchen with granite and stainless steel. Fireplace in living room. Three season room. Great location. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212031200. Presented by Nancy Beachum

Birmingham $399,900

Birmingham $374,900

Beautiful soft Contemporary home with huge master suite 2007 addition. Newer Pella windows, roof 07, solar powered attic fan. Hardwood on first floor and organic carpet and padding on second floor. Updated 2.5 bath and kitchen with all appliances. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212037976. Presented by Silvia Stan

Beautifully Renovated. 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 bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212036374. Presented by Heather Salesin

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $599,999 Stately center entrance Colonial on a large lot. Impeccably remodeled! Gracious foyer opens to formal dining room, large living room with fireplace. Eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and cozy family room with fireplace and built-ins. Spacious screened porch off of family room. Elegant master suite and walk in closet with laundry. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212020443 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Bloomfield Hills $599,900

Orion Township $599,000

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

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

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Oakland Township $1,895,000 Exquisite home in gated Orchard Ridge subdivision with the exceptional appointments you would expect! Superb kitchen entertainment area. Lovely formal dining room with butler pantry. Two story living and great rooms. Finished lower level with media room, sauna, spa, bar, bistro area, game room and guest suite. Beautiful articulated grounds. Five bedrooms with 6.2 baths. Also for Lease.Â 212007745. Presented by Paula Law

Troy $855,000 Spectacular custom built home on premier 1.2 acre lot on private Cul-de -sac with Bloomfield Hills Schools! Open floor plan with hardwood floors throughout. Two story great room off a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and large island. Updated master bath with heated Limestone floor, chromatherapy jacuzzi. Private backyard with brick paver patio and award winning landscape. Meticulously maintained! Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212028157. Presented by Erin Keating Dewald

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $1,149,000 Beautiful custom home in Quarton Lake Estates. High end amenities with many built-ins and custom features. Unique floor plan. Separate room over garage. Builder's own residence. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 212015932 Presented by Ronni Keating

Lake Angelus Frontage $975,000 Fabulous Lake Angelus Shores Ranch home with sunsets and privacy. Six car oversize garage for all your toys. Over 3,000 sq. ft all on one floor with views of the lake from all rooms. Nicely updated with neutral colors. Granite kitchen opens to great room. Deck with beautiful mature landscaping on almost one acre. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211101618. Presented by Lee Embrey

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Upper Straits Lake Frontage $2,250,000 Three fabulous sites of three plus acres with Upper Straits Lake frontage. Build your dream estate on one of these beautiful pieces of property. These lots are part of a ten acre site which includes two homes, horse arena, as well as a FAA approved helicopter pad. Total acreage available for $6,500,000. Must see to appreciate! 211117241 Presented by Ronni Keating

Birmingham $1,495,000

Bloomfield Hills $995,000

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

Stunning and fully updated in 2006. First floor master with huge custom closet and large bath. Hardwood floors throughout. Ten ft plus ceilings with crown moldings. Fabulous kitchen with Bosch and Sub Zero Appliances. Open floor plan. Lower level new wine cellar with copper and stone and exercise room. Four bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212033390. Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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

Birmingham $1,119,000

Birmingham $549,000

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

Classic Quarton Lake Estate Tudor. This lovely home offers the best of both world with many recent updates and all the charm of a 1920 s home. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, bright airy breakfast area opens to a generous family room. Open floor plan and nicely finished lower level. Four bedrooms with 2.2 baths.Â 212035500. Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $695,000 Beautifully situated on oversized Quarton neighborhood site. This home offers updated kitchen, two fireplaces in the family and living rooms, and a 20x22 great room overlooking patio and expansive rear grounds. Carriage house recently constructed is prepped to be converted to a stand alone guest cottage. A special home convenient to Quarton Elementary. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 211105429. Presented by Mike Cotter

Birmingham $549,000

Metamora $499,000

Totally renovated and addition from studs in 2005. Charming front porch. Gourmet island kitchen with adjoining family room with cathedral ceilings and fireplace. Features include; hardwood floors, formal living room and first floor bedroom/study. Master suite with walk in closet and bath with dual vanities and spa like tub. Large lot with deck. Four bedrooms with three baths. 212025078 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Beautiful traditional Metamora home on ten acres. Four Masonry fireplaces, Chef's kitchen, Grabill cabinets, granite counter and sub zero refrigerator. Walkout lower level with Fieldstone fireplace and wet bar. Great room, library and master suite with fireplaces. Secluded, private and elevated setting. Exceptional! Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212022781 Presented by David Busch

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $425,000 Prestigious Vernor Estates. Coveted Bloomfield Hills Schools. Custom built and impeccably maintained Colonial nestled on Cul-de-sac, half acre private yard with mature landscaping and relaxing patio. Cove ceilings and pristine hardwood floors throughout under carpet. Eat in kitchen with huge pantry. Family room with fireplace and built-ins. Five bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212039300. Presented by Susan Kissick

Bloomfield $415,000

Bloomfield $339,000

Lovely soft Contemporary located on Forest Lake Golf Course. This unique home features soaring ceilings, first floor master with fireplace, kitchen with granite counters, finished lower level with fireplace and large front room with fireplace. Located on a large lot in Bloomfield Hills school district. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212032894. Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Sprawling Ranch on hilltop corner lot with all sports Upper Long Lake privileges! Completely updated kitchen with spacious breakfast area, all seasons Florida room opens to kitchen. Formal living and dining rooms, first floor laundry and partially finished basement. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths.Â 211070907. Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Orchard Lake Frontage $999,995 350 foot private driveway leads to Orchard Lake front on 1.4 acre prime site. 100 feet of lake frontage with steel seawall and boardwalk deck. Walkout lower level opens to expansive lakefront. Newer carpet, central air and stainless steel appliances. Lower level kitchen. Renovate or an awesome lot for a new build. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212025775. Presented by Michelle Yurich

Birmingham $595,000

West Bloomfield $449,000

This extraordinary site is little know to residents of Birmingham. An authentic Cape Cod with a surround patio facing the Rouge River and enhanced by mature trees is nestles behind Baldwin Road. There is a guest house adding 961 sq ft. to the living space. Two bedrooms with two baths. 29116090. Presented by Betty Pince

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

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Spectacular Location! BIRMINGHAM Vacant lot just blocks from downtown Birmingham and short driving distance to all major freeways. This deep lot is nestled on a quiet street. Build to suit with up to a 2900 sq. ft. footprint. Build your dream home in desirable Birmingham! 212030807. $449,000. Courtney Monigold

Completely Remodeled HUNTINGTON WOODS Beautiful wainscoting, hardwood and slate floors, custom paint, spectacular bathrooms. Great Chef's kitchen with breakfast bar in kitchen. Great room with fireplace. Zone heating and cooling Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212026450. $399,900. Kathy Lyons

Lovingly Cared for Bungalow BIRMINGHAM Spacious kitchen with eating area, formal dining room and formal living room with fireplace. All season sun room with wood stove. Partially finished basement with ample storage space. Patio, porch, large treed yard. Coved ceilings and hardwood floors. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 212002571. $419,000. Mike Cotter & Paula Law

Entertainers Delight! WATERFORD Unique Ranch with great layout. Bright kitchen opens to living room and vaulted dining room that overlooks large private backyard with deck and paver patio area. Lovely master bedroom and beautifully tiled master bath. Three bedrooms with two baths. 212022367. $235,000. Susan Kissick

Red Run Neighborhood ROYAL OAK Updates galore, this home is turn-key perfection! Gorgeous hardwood floors, fireplace and sun filled rooms. Granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances and high end finishes. Finished lower level. Three bedrooms with two baths. 212035279. $179,900. Sara Lipnitz

Double Lot! ROYAL OAK New premium maple eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar overlooking the enormous deck and landscaped yard. Super finished basement with large tiled bar, wood burning stove and plenty of room for entertaining or relaxing. Three bedrooms with one bath. 212016179. $165,000. Maureen Francis

Lake Lapeer Frontage HADLEY TOWNSHIP Best view on Lake Lapeer with sunsets that are incredible! Located in a prime location with no obstructed view. This home is an entertainer's delight. New kitchen with granite, totally updated baths with granite, new tile in foyer, kitchen and baths. Finished lower level. Four bedrooms with two baths. 212030208. $399,900. Susan Johnson

Watkins Lake Frontage WATERFORD Updated kitchen with cherry cabinets and granite counters. Turret style all season glass sunroom with heated floor (lake side). Hardwood floors. Partially finished lower level. Brick pavers and new irrigation pump. Three bedrooms with two baths. 212027441. $339,000. RW Watson

Wooded Lot! WEST BLOOMFIELD Spacious great room with 20 ft ceiling, fireplace, wall of windows and neutral decor. Large eat-in kitchen with island and doorwall to deck. Spacious master bedroom complete with walk-in closet and master bath with Jacuzzi tub and standup shower. Large wood deck and even a carpeted tree house for the kids. 212002125. $239,900. Avery Weisling

Charm and Character ROYAL OAK This home is meticulously maintained. Updated large kitchen, new windows, new furnace, newer roof and water proofed lower level. Finished lower level with recreation room, laundry and cedar closet. Three bedrooms with two baths. 212034732. $179,900. Sara Lipnitz

This Bungalow Has It All! ROYAL OAK New roof, new landscaping and brick paver patio. Master suite with full bathroom and spacious closets. Updated kitchen with new cabinets and granite counters. Hardwood floors throughout. Three bedrooms with 2 baths. 212038346. $169,000. Erin Keating Dewald

Perfect Larger Bungalow BERKLEY Newer white kitchen with granite counters and marble backsplash. Wonderful dormer master suite with walk in closet. Hardwood floors on main floor. Large family room addition with French doors to double level wrap around deck with benches. Three bedrooms with two baths. 212028589. $159,900. Kathy Haack

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Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

FACES

Paige Smith

s a little girl Paige Smith would lie underneath her sheets at night with a flashlight drawing; 20 years later she is an accomplished surface designer for famed fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer. “From the beginning, I was always drawing,” Smith said. “Everything creative is where I would shine.” A Cranbrook Kingswood alumnus, Smith garnered inspiration from her surroundings. “Cranbrook is just a beautiful place,” she said. “I loved studying there. You’re surrounded by amazing statues and gardens.” With the counsel of Cranbrook instructor Dr. Eric Lorey, Smith decided to follow a career in drawing and fashion. “(Lorey) was a philosophy teacher, but he always gave me good advice and he encouraged me to pursue art school.” After studying at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, Smith took a creative internship in Chicago and was later hired by Lilly Pulitzer, located in Philadelphia. “I got hired with Lilly in 2008,” she said. “It just seemed like a great fit. I always wore (the brand) and loved it. I knew I wanted to work for Lilly. They have good morals and I like the way they do business.” Since joining the company, which earned notoriety when Jacqueline Kennedy donned a Pulitzer design in the 1960s, Smith said she has been able to introduce a “new hand” to the resort lifestyle wear. “(The prints) were more graphic with a tighter design,” she said. “My hand is a little more loose and painterly. It’s fun to see how my own style has affected the print. When I first started, it was the coolest thing seeing other people in my designs.” Smith creates many of her designs through gouache, a method of painting with opaque watercolors. The designer’s harmonious aesthetic to Lilly Pulitzer has allowed her to fully express her vision as an artist. “My taste is very similar to the brand,” she said. “I’m learning a lot working at this company and working with other great designers.” As a surface designer, Smith and her colleagues often seek inspiration from outside sources. “We travel a lot,” she said. “We literally will go to the beach and maybe it will be seagulls flying a certain way that inspires you.” Smith also travels to stores around the country to create in-store designs. “I will paint dressing rooms and on the walls to bring the feel of our clothing into our stores.” Smith, a Bloomfield Hills native, continues to visit her hometown where her parents still reside and fond memories linger. “I miss being close to family and I really miss being able to go Up North in the summer,” she said. “Bloomfield Hills is such a beautiful place. When I’m home for Christmas, I realize that I sometimes forget how pretty it is.” Despite a longing for family, Smith is living her dream. “This is so close to my ultimate dream job,” she said. “Just to think of ideas and be creative is great. I’m pretty darn happy here.”

Story: Katey Meisner

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CITY/ TOWNSHIP City investigates liquor establishments By Lisa Brody

City manager Bob Bruner announced on Tuesday, April 10 that Birmingham has authorized local police to begin looking at public safety incidents that have occurred at all local liquor establishments in the city following gunshots fired by a female patron of South Bar who was involved in a fight with another woman on S. Old Woodward at Merrill shortly after closing time on Monday morning, April 2, outside the bar. South Bar was also issued a liquor license citation by the Birmingham Police on Wednesday, April 11, for advertising “free beer” for the following day on a sign outside of the establishment. The free beer actually referred to a local band with the name Free Beer which was scheduled to play at the bar on April 12. However, “we think a fairminded person would think it was for free alcohol, and so we issued a violation,” said Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt. The notice of free beer was advertised on a sandwich board sign propped on the sidewalk in front of South. Since news of the fight between the two women was first reported, there has been a significant community reaction from residents, business owners and those who work in Birmingham. A petition Downtown Publications launched calling for the city to investigate and request that the state rescind South's liquor license received 200 signatures. In a release from Bruner, he noted that dozens of concerned community members have contacted Birmingham city officials in the wake of several recent public safety incidents at establishments in the city. Mayor Mark Nickita said, “We share these concerns and we understand how detrimental incidents like these can be to our community. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.” Bruner and Studt emphasized that, although many community members are clamoring for the city to revoke South's liquor license in response to this latest transgression, it is ultimately up to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to act, as it issues the liquor licenses. However, it is widely known that the liquor control commission primarily affirms a city's recommendation, and in August, 2011, Birmingham's City Commission unanimously amended two sections of downtownpublications.com

How a liquor license can be revoked

midst all of the clamor and discussion over whether or not any liquor licenses in the city of Birmingham should be revoked, city manager Robert Bruner has emphasized that it is not a decision the city can make, but one the Michigan Liquor Control Commission does, and that it is a very difficult process to undergo. Bruner and Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt have both emphasized that, although many community members are clamoring for the city to revoke South Bar's liquor license in response to a recent shooting outside it's establishment after it closed on a Sunday night, it is ultimately up to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to act. Technically, Bruner and Studt are correct. However, the city government is a participant in the process, just as they are in awarding liquor licenses. Andrea Miller, public information officer for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in Lansing, said that, by statute, there are tools for local units of government to use concerning licenses issued by the state: they can object to the renewal of an on-premise license or they can request for the revocation of an on-premise license. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has the power to control all alcoholic beverage traffic within the state. Local units of government and the commission work together on both the licensing process and in enforcing Michigan's liquor laws. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission lets local governments know that they can request the revocation of a liquor license or a permit after due notice and a proper hearing at the local level. Upon receipt of a request to revoke, the liquor control commission must revoke the license or permit. “The statutory language is clear, using the words “shall revoke.” This provision applies to on-premise establishments,” said updated documentation from the commission which was sent by Miller. When the request for revocation of an on-premise license is received, the commission will schedule and notice a hearing, and then review and consider the information presented from both sides.

a city ordinance regarding liquor license renewals, as well as the ability to revoke a liquor license, based on cause. At the time, city attorney Tim Currier informed commissioners that grounds for commissioners to not renew or to request that a liquor license be revoked would be numerous serious police calls; lack of adequate supervision; nuisance; immediate health and safety dangers; drunk and disorderly calls; assault complaints; complaints from neighbors; and other reasons. While not specifically stated, the ordinance changes were made due to numerous incidences at local bars, restaurants and nightclubs, including a major brawl in early August, 2011, at South, where staff security was stabbed by patrons. Also in August, a drunk guest at Chen Chow stabbed someone with a broken beer bottle. Currier said non-renewals can only be done in March, but a revocation can be done at any time, if there is cause, following a public hearing. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission follows up with their own hearings. “With a non-renewal, the restaurant still owns the liquor license,” said Currier. “With a revocation, they lose the license, and

cannot get it back for two years.” Regarding South's liquor license violation citation, Studt said the city does not impose a fine or penalty to the bar. “It's up to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to do that,” he said. “They determine how to deal with it. How serious of an infraction it is depends on how the liquor control commission deals with it. It's their rule, and they decide what happens. This is not a city action.” Studt said he believed this is the first liquor control commission violation South has incurred this year. South's attorney, Kelly Allen, said that South has a perfect record with the MLCC. All city liquor licenses, both Class C liquor licenses, which is what South has, and the city's bistro licenses, were renewed by the city commission in March, and sent to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, effective March 31. One commissioner lamented that if this incident had happened one week earlier, Birmingham's City Commission could have simply not renewed South's license following an investigation. City manager Bruner said, “I have directed the city attorney’s office and police department to investigate the number of contacts they have had

DOWNTOWN

with each licensed establishment and their patrons to determine whether or not a pattern of patron conduct exists that would warrant a public hearing on the revocation of any liquor license in Birmingham. Seeking revocation has significant legal consequences for both the city and the licensee, so the city commission will carefully consider this option with advice from the city attorney. The city commission can then decide whether or not to schedule a public hearing to consider filing a request for revocation.” Bruner emphasized that the city cannot act hastily in revoking the license license at South or any other establishment, noting there is currently both a police and an administrative investigation into a pattern of behavior inside a bar or by patrons when they leave. Bruner also announced additional plans to investigate stricter controls on licensed establishments in the future. The Class C licenses are the personal property of their owner and can be transferred from one location to another with city approval. Although the liquor control code allowed additional liquor licenses to be transferred into the community with Birmingham's City Commission approval, the city commission only approved additional liquor licenses with the adoption of the Bistro Ordinance in 2007. Unlike “quota” licenses, “bistro” licenses cannot be transferred from one location to another. In addition, the city requires a special land use permit for bistros and requires each bistro licensee to enter into a contract with the city, Bruner noted. “The contract and special land use permit give Birmingham much more control over bistros than we have over the ‘quota’ licensed establishments. We plan to investigate options to subject ‘quota’ licenses to these types of controls in the future,” Bruner said. In an effort to clamp down on the rowdiness and fights that have been ensuing in Birmingham late at night and in the early morning hours at Birmingham bars and nightclubs, on Thursday, April 12, Studt sent a letter to 4 Star Valet, which services South, Hamilton Room and Chen Chow, informing them that “Pursuant to Sec. 26-313 of the city code you are hereby notified that effective Friday, April 13, 2012 your valet stand must close at midnight. This means no cars may be parked or retrieved by any valet after 12:00 a.m..” Prior to that weekend, the valets had been permitted to stay open until 2 a.m., or all of the cars had been picked up. 73

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CITY/ TOWNSHIP Devine, others file for August primary By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine has announced he is running for re-election as township treasurer in the August 2012 primary election. Initially appointed to his post as treasurer of the township in 1999, he was subsequently elected in 2000, and re-elected in 2004 and 2008. He is completing his third term. “I am running again because I believe we still have a job to do to get the township back in the shape it was before the recession,” Devine said. “We're on our way. We are a very desirable community with the services here, and we want to be able to attract new residents and retain the residents we have.” Bloomfield Township lost 2,000 residents in the 2010 U.S. Census. In addition to Devine, township supervisor Leo Savoie has filed for reelection, as has trustee Neal Barnett. The four-year terms for the

supervisor, treasurer, clerk and four board of trustee members all expire in November. The filing date for the August primary, which determines who is a candidate in the November 2012 general election, is Tuesday, May 15 at 4 p.m. Board of trustees are paid $150 per meeting. The supervisor is paid $139,558 per year; the treasurer's position is paid $121,700 annually; and the clerk's pay is $121,700. In Devine’s twelve years as treasurer, Bloomfield Township has balanced the budget every year and has maintained excellent EMS, fire, police and other municipal services while reducing costs. Devine said he is proud of the work that he and his fellow board of trustee members have done in creating and following a strategic plan to navigate the operations through a turbulent landscape. Devine is a Certified Public Finance Administrator, Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer and has been a licensed municipal attorney since 1987. “My goal is to continue with

strong financial stability, and maintain the township's AAA bond status in order to provide the level of police, fire, EMS, and other services our residents expect,” he said. In the summer of 2011, Devine threw his hat into the ring to be township supervisor when longtime township supervisor Dave Payne retired, even challenging fellow trustees over their choice of Leo Savoie for the supervisor position. Devine now says of his re-election bid for the treasurer, “To me, the most important thing is to continue the financial mission we began in 2009, and my skill set is what needs to be applied to get us over the hump.”

McCready latest to join GOP rep race Bloomfield Hills city commissioner Mike McCready has announced he is running for the open seat for state representative in the 40th District in the August Republican primary.

McCready joins Oakland County Commissioner Dave Potts, Birmingham School Board member Robert Lawrence, and David Wolkinson in seeking the Republican nomination in August. The winner of the primary will go on to the general election in November. The 40th District, following redistricting which takes effect in 2012, will consist of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and the eastern portion of West Bloomfield. McCready, a manufacturer's representative for commercial furniture manufacturers, said he plans to knock on doors to hear what residents' expectations are, and to have them get to know him. A conservative Republican, he said if he is “fortunate enough to get to the November election and win, we need to create opportunities in Michigan for jobs and improving the economy. We need to create opportunities for college graduates and those who are here to have thriving careers and a great life.”

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The Birmingham City Commission unanimously approved an intergovernmental contract for dispatch services between Birmingham and the Village of Beverly Hills on Monday, April 9, authorizing mayor Mark Nickita and city manager Bob Bruner to execute the contract and proceed with the consolidation of the service. The consolidation of dispatch services will allow the Birmingham Police Department to provide emergency dispatch services to the Beverly Hills Public Safety Department, potentially saving both communities a great deal of money. Bruner said recently that Beverly Hills will pay approximately 40 percent of the costs of dispatch, with Birmingham paying 60 percent of the costs. Currently, Birmingham spends $600,000 a year on dispatch services, which are manned at the Birmingham Police Station 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while Beverly

Hills spends $400,000 a year. The police department said they can handle both communities emergency 911 calls without any additional costs or staffing. Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt said he is not worried about his department handling the extra discharge duties. Birmingham is at the point of needing to upgrade its equipment, which will cost approximately $100,000. Also at the April 9 meeting, the city commission approved the purchase of a VESTA Pallas 911 system, with three positions from AT&T, in the amount of $106,883. It authorized Oakland County Department of Information Technology CLEMIS and Fiscal Service Division to expend $60,182 in 911 surcharge and JAG funds on behalf of Birmingham and Beverly Hills. Studt said the money comes from drug forfeiture funds, ultimately costing the city nothing. The dispatch contract between the two municipalities goes into effect July 1, the beginning of Birmingham's fiscal year.

New townhouses for the Rail District By Lisa Brody

Eight new rental townhouses to be built on Villa in Birmingham's Rail District received unanimous final site plan and design review approval from the Birmingham Planning Board in late March. The townhouses are to be built on the site of the former Eton Street Station development, also known as Crosswinds Development, which ceased development in 2005 after building 120 units and later filed for bankruptcy protection. In 2011, a group of investors purchased the lot on Villa, according to David Steuer of Steuer & Associates in Farmington Hills, who came before the planning board and intends to build the eight units. The final site plan and design review now has to be approved by the city commission. Steuer said the new units, which will be built on the Eton Street Station building pad using the previous site plan, will be called Villa Lofts.

“Because there are already 120 units of Eton Street Station, which are done in a tudor-style, we decided we could create units with a similar style to the District Lofts, which have a renovated factory loft style, so that when you are driving down Villa, it will provide an overall continuity,” Steuer said. He said they will not directly mimic District Lofts, which are four-story loft buildings. Villa Lofts will be two-and-ahalf story townhouses with flat roofs, using a “more earth-tone siding and stone,” Steuer said, while utilizing the same window manufacturer and black grills as District Lofts. He said their consumer research showed that residents, particularly divorced fathers who have been Birmingham residents, are seeking more living space, so each unit will be 2,450 square feet, and each will be three-bedrooms with four-and-a-half baths. They will feature a two-story great room with a fireplace and a finished lower level with daylight windows. Each unit will also have its own patio. Rentals are expected to be in the upper $2,000 per month, Steuer said.

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Lovely well kept Commerce Twp ranch home with Huron Valley schools on beautiful piece of land. 1.79 acres. Never be without power again with the whole house generator. 211131681. $189,900

Ranch home on quiet street with large rooms and wheelchair accessible. Abundant storage in house & insulated 2 car attached garage. Recent updates include kitchen, furnace, c/a, powder room, concrete patio, garden shed.212038228. $199,900

Beautiful custom built Briarwood Manor colonial on quiet cul-de-sac. Beautiful granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, large great room with cathedral ceiling, fireplace. Troy schools and much more! 21204392. $325,000

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A rare find in popular Foxcroft. Meticulously maintained two story with basement. Located on circle for privacy, lot is more than Âž of an acre. Almost everything has been updated. Home warranty included. 212013802. $459,000

Nice brick ranch offers large open kitchen with walk-out deck from doorwall. Spacious floor plan with large living room and master bedroom. 211131315. $86,900

Immaculate home, over 2300 square feet. 5 bedrooms, possible 6th. Chefs delight kitchen featuring granite counter tops, ceramic tile and cherry cabinetry. 46 x36 pole barn. 212018792. $249,900

Long admired stately yet charming home with private location. Spacious 4 bed room 4 Â˝ bath property features outstanding custom kitchen with premium upgrades. Wonderful home plus warranty. 211118621. $429,000

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COUNTY Republican redistricting map prevails at county By Lisa Brody

With a party-line vote of 16-9, the redrawn Republican map which will change the boundaries for Oakland County Board of Commissioners from 25 commission districts to 21 prevailed at the commission meeting on Friday, April 13, although Democrats have now challenged the new districts with a lawsuit. Commissioner Kathy Crawford (R-Novi) was absent for the vote. The redrawn districts will pit four incumbent Democratic commissioners against each other in two districts, and consolidate two Republican districts into one. It will likely result in a 14-7 Republican majority for the commission board in 2013. Incumbent Republicans Shelley Goodman Taub (Bloomfield Township) and Dave Potts (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) will now share one district. However, Potts has announced he is running for the Michigan House of Representative's 40th District seat, and will not be running for reelection for the board of commissioners. Democratic incumbents Helaine Zack (Huntington Woods) will compete in the same redrawn district against Craig Covey (Ferndale), and Jim Nash (Farmington Hills) and Janet Jackson (Southfield) will now be in the same district. On Friday, April 20, the Democrats responded with

a lawsuit filed in the Michigan Court of Appeals asserting that the Republican plan does not satisfactorily meet the new statute. The commission vote was the result of the Michigan Supreme Court upholding a new law on March 23 that specifies that a county with more than 50,000 residents should not have more than 21 commissioners. The law, Public Act 280, was seen as a response to Oakland County's redistricting, which takes place every 10 years, that was controlled in 2011 by Democrats after being controlled by Republicans for decades. The law was passed by the Michigan legislature after the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld earlier maps drawn for the commission districts but were challenged by Republicans who alleged gerrymandering. Potts was one of the litigants. In response to the Michigan Supreme Court's ruling, Gerald Poisson, chief deputy executive director of Oakland County, said, “Our responsible board leadership recognized this opportunity to lead with Public Act 280 which provided a vehicle to continue the county’s reduction efforts by reducing the size of the board of commissioners from 25 to 21, saving taxpayers $2.5 million over the next decade.” Commission districts are redrawn every ten years following census results. The Democratic- controlled redistricting was completed May 2011. The commission was comprised of Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, prosecutor Jessica Cooper, county Democratic chairman Frank Houston, all Democrats, and county clerk Bill Bullard and county

Republican chairman Jim Thienel, both Republicans. The Democrats prevailed, by a vote of 3-2, on Cooper's second amended proposed map. Oakland County has been a Republican stronghold for many years. Likely due to President Obama's coattail effect in 2008, Democrats held the majority for this redistricting. Although Oakland County claims the reduction of districts will save the county money, some say the Republican-controlled Michigan legislature enacted the new law to counteract the redistricting control of Democrats in Oakland. By election law, districts must be contiguous, have a population of approximately 57,000 each, be relatively compact and rectangular, and follow the Civil Rights Act. Potts said the new Republican map follows all of these requirements. “From last Wednesday, (when the Republican and Democratic maps were released), people have been chewing on these maps,” he said. “The question is, will the Democrats file a lawsuit saying it does not conform to the allowable tolerance of variables. I believe it does. “As a member of the majority caucus, I appreciate the level of debate and discussion. I hope it will continue to be positive. Unfortunately, there have been lawsuits and recriminations, but in the end the county will save money by reducing the number of commissioners from 25 to 21.” Potts said he believes the Republican-approved map will prevail and be proved legal. “This is the plan adopted pursuant to the rule,” he said.

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or over 30 years, Allen Einstein has been the official photographer for the Detroit Pistons. He recalls he was just a boy when he first saw the world through his own camera lens. “It was a Minolta SRT-101,” he said. “I was 15 or 16-years-old. I bought it at the Lobby Hobby at Woodward and Six Mile, and it was about $250. I paid for it myself. It was a lot of money, but it was a matter of priorities.” Einstein later attended Oakland University where he worked as a photographer on the college newspaper, developing his talent. “I was always intrigued by art and photography,” he said. “When I went into a darkroom, I found it fascinating.” The noted photographer went on to shoot for local newspapers while simultaneously nurturing a career in teaching. “I actually just retired from teaching,” Einstein said. “I taught at Berkshire Middle School in Birmingham for students who weren’t succeeding in a normal class.” Einstein has also taught special education and earned his exalted position with the Detroit Pistons via his 30-year career as a teacher. On several occasions, Einstein had taken his students on field trips to see the Detroit basketball team in action. Following several encounters with the Pistons, he was extended the opportunity to photograph a Pistons game. After that, he was offered a permanent position as the team photographer. Throughout his tenure, Einstein has marked such memorable moments as championship games and the Pacers-Pistons brawl of 2004, yet has never lost his gratitude for the remarkable position he holds.

“I’ve always enjoyed basketball and I’ve always been a fan of the local Detroit teams,” he said. “There are still times I sit on the floor and I don’t believe I’m doing what I’m doing. It’s exciting to open up a Sports Illustrated and see a two-page spread of your photos, or see your photographs in books and on posters. I don’t take anything for granted.” Despite maintaining a highly coveted position with the Pistons which has given him the opportunity to meet celebrities and prominent politicians, Einstein places equal emphasis on the thousands of students he has affected throughout the course of his career. “I’m dedicated to helping kids,” he said. “Influencing another human being is very powerful, and not a week goes by that I don’t hear from a former student. I’m very fortunate to be able to do things I enjoy.” Although he has retired as a teacher, Einstein continues to work with children through life coaching and mentoring programs for kids. The Bloomfield Township resident has been married for 28 years and raised two daughters, both of whom attended Birmingham schools. In 1972, he started Einstein Photo and has earned tremendous success and acclaim throughout his career. He credits his extraordinary achievements to a few core values. “I earned (this career) doing exactly what I was taught,” he said. “The key words in my vocabulary have always been integrity and honor. Being pleasant and having good manners have been very important, too.” Story: Katey Meisner

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

220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Barrio Tacos & Tequila: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800 Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. Chen Chow Brasserie: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast &

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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, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

HOSTS

Mother’s Day Brunch

AT THE RESERVE AND DINNER AT BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE

Treat your mom to a day of delicious food and fun by taking her to BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE’S annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at THE RESERVE. There will be two seatings, the ﬁrst will be from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Brunch will begin with a champagne toast and will feature a variety of chef’s stations. Cost is $47 for adults, $22 for children ages 6-11 and $7 for children 5 and under. Cost excludes tax, tip and valet. BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE will also be open for dinner that evening. Dinner menu begins at 5 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested. For more information, call 248.647.7774.

248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com

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FOCUS ON WINE Bordeaux presents well-priced vintages By Eleanor and Ray Heald

“In a great Bordeaux vintage, such as 2009, there’s no need to buy big names at high prices,” says Bill Blatch, a Bordeaux-based negociant and one of the savviest barometers of best buy wines from the region. “Bordeaux reds,” he continues, “from the first decade of the 21st century are all very good. Naturally, they are different from year to year, but there was not a bad vintage. The great vintages are 2000, 2005, 2009, and 2010. Weather in 2003 was very hot, but the wines are drinking very nicely now. “The advantage of the other vintages is that they are less expensive. 2001 is ready to drink, 2002 is a little harder, 2004 is classic, 2006 should be cellared a bit longer, 2007 was definitely not an off vintage as some have suggested, and 2008 ripened late which means it shows red fruit rather than black fruit.” This said, though, we focused on bottlings from the 2009 vintage which was a year when the wines reached an extreme limit of concentration. This was principally due to everything coming in the proper order: vines well nourished by ground water early in the growing cycle, then water deficit during the ripening period – two factors essential to concentrated fruit characteristics. Couple these with warm days without heat spikes and dub it as good as it gets.

mouth-filling rendition, aged solely in stainless steel. As a preview of 2010 excellence, Blatch presented Chateau Puynard $15, from Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux. It’s 70 percent merlot and 30 percent cabernet sauvignon, highlighting black cherry and black raspberry in a

Sauvignon Blanc South Africa $18 (similar in style to Sincerely, but fuller). 2010 Valley of the Moon Chardonnay $16 2010 Morgan Chardonnay $26 2009 Marimar Estate “La Masia” Chardonnay $35 2010 Williams Selyem Unoaked Chardonnay $37 2010 Morgan Double L Vineyard Chardonnay $40 Best value Cabernet Sauvignon under $20: 2010 MAN South Africa $11 2010 Porcupine Ridge South Africa $13 2010 Tormentoso Paarl $13 2009 Kenwood Sonoma County $18

solid fruit core. Tannins need some taming with time, but at this price, cellar a few bottles for enjoyment in a few years. A mélange of dark fruits, full and generous with good length, is 2009 Chateau Tour St. Bonnet $26.25, a Cru Bourgeois that is a steal. It’s drinking surprisingly well now, but will age. Other 2009 Bordeaux that we recommend are: Chateau du Pin $11, Chateau Thebot $17, Chateau Bel Air La Chapelle Castillon $19, and Chateau Bois Noir Bordeaux Superieur $21. If your favorite wine shop is not carrying these Bordeaux values, suggest that they can be ordered for you through AHD Vintners, the local distributor.

Always barbecue ready Zinfandel: 2009 Valley of the Moon $16 2009 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines $19 2009 Sausal Private Reserve $24

Best of the best We tasted a number of wines with Blatch. Although the focus was on reds, the 2009 Chateau Saint-Jeandes-Graves Blanc $17.25, a 50/50 blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon, showcased pear, peach, almonds and some lively stone fruit in a

WINE PICKS Warm weather whites: Pick of the pack: 2010 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc $16 2011 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc $12 2010 Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa $14 (tropical fruit with slight herbaceous overtones). 2010 Neil Ellis Groenekloog

April saw the release of the 2012 Michigan Wine Country magazine, with maps and touring information for the state’s 92 wineries. To request a free copy, visit michiganwines.com.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Fox Grill: American. Lunch, Monday through Friday; Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. 248.792.6109. Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner,

daily. No Reservations. Beer & wine. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield,

MI 48301. 248.203.9111. 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.

Williams Selyem 2010 Pinot Noir just released: Central Coast $37, Sonoma County $37, Russian River Valley $49, Sonoma Coast $49, Westside Road Neighbors $69, all made by Bob Cabral, the 2011 Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year! Did you know? Worldwide, how many bottles of wine are produced annually? Answer: 36 billion. Yet, it may be difficult for Oklahomans to open a bottle since it’s illegal for liquor stores there to sell corkscrews! Information courtesy of Shafer Vineyards, Napa Valley, Calif.

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

DOWNTOWN

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. Also 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reser-

05.12

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05.12

vations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215. South: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Corner Bar: American. Dinner. Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tokyo Sushi & Grill: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964. What Crepe?: French. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Breakfast & Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 172 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5634. Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588. Zazios: Italian. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009. Phone: 248.530.6400. Zumba Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Daily. No Reservations. 163 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2775.

AT THE TABLE Cuisine art at Rangoli By Eleanor Heald

For main courses, select from “Signature Entrees,” served with white or brown basmati rice and naan bread or tandoori roti (whole wheat). Three signatures are standouts. Chicken Xacutti $16, is Goan style, slow roasted with garam masala, poppy seed, coconut gravy and curried lentils. Awadhi Murg Seena $17, features tender chicken breast with herb and spiced nut filling, almond cream and masala vegetables. Zafrani Kofta $15, is paneer (cottage cheese) and lotus root dumplings with almond saffron sauce and masala vegetables. Indian Style Chinese dishes, $9 to $10.50, showcase a unique fusion of flavors. If you like lamb, then Chettinadu Pepper Lamb $14.50, is a good choice. Fish Tikka Masala $16, is Mahi-Mahi chunks, marinated and grilled in the Tandoor and cooked in a mild curry sauce. Other specialties from the Tandoor are the familiar Chicken Tandoori served as half or full orders $9.50/$14.50, or Chicken Tikka $13.50. A Mixed Grill Platter $15, offers a sampling.

angoli (run-goalee) is the traditional art of India and is a style of colorful folk painting with repetitive geometric designs. This art form decorates courtyards, house walls, places of worship and in this case, an area restaurant, taking its name from the art. Varsha Makhecha and her sister Rashmi Rughani opened Rangoli in the year 2000. Success allowed Varsha's husband Amit to leave his job as an engineering consultant to manage the restaurant. "When we considered a restaurant," Amit says, "we noticed that Auburn Hills was an underserved market for the cuisine of India. With Oakland University as a neighbor, a growing residential population and a large number of office buildings, we thought the location to be ideal.” It has been, even attracting diners from comMore options munities to the south, such as Amit is a wine aficionado and Birmingham and the Bloomfields. has challenged his palate to craft a "While our bias,” he continues, “is list of wines that complement to the cuisine of northern India, we Rangoli’s menu. Prices are reasonable chose to have the Rangoli menu repreand include change of pace options sent multiple regional styles of Indian such as Chilean Cono Sur Pinot Noir cooking, so we're neither north nor $6/$20, Bodegas Agapito Rico south, as the cuisine is usually thought Carchelo from Spain $19, Shiraz from to be divided." India’s Sula Vineyards $23, and 2007 Since opening 12 years ago, Mejar Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva $39. Singh Gill has been Rangoli’s execuA full bar offers cocktails and tive chef. He trained under the apprenMichigan craft beers. tice system in India. For 11 years, sous For dessert, try Pista Kulfi $3.25, chef Badrinath, who does not use his Top: Lamb chops with mango curry. Bottom: Stuffed chicken. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent traditional Indian ice cream flavored family name and is known as Chef with pistachio nuts. Or you can have Badri, has guided the kitchen with Chef Mejar. Chef Badri has an Oakland Community College it mango or lichee flavored. Mango Pie $3.25, is unique. Culinary Degree and apprenticed under Chef Mejar. “This team,” says Amit, “is the biggest reason for Rangoli’s Rangoli Indian Cuisine, 3055 E. Walton Blvd. (in Walton Village Plaza), Auburn Hills, 248.377.3800. Lunch buffet, Mondayfood consistency.” Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. To 3 p.m. Dinner, Monday-Thursday 5-9:30 p.m., Friday and Dashing myths Three myths about Indian food prevail: it’s all curry, it’s all Saturday until 10:30. Sunday 5-9 p.m. Parking: on site. hot, and curry is a spice. Here are the facts. There’s a lot more to Indian dishes than QUICK BITES Significant Award: The curry. “Calling curry a spice is like calling Italian seasoning a Birmingham’s Townhouse spice,” Amit explains. “Curry describes a style of cooking American Academy of Hospitality Sciences awarded its highusing multiple spices in proportions that vary according to a est honor, Five-Star Diamond Award, to Townhouse. AAHS, chef’s preference. A menu item can be ordered very mild, based in New York City, received multiple nominations for this medium or kicked up.” You need to try Indian food to realize specific award from among its 7,500 world travelers. that spicy is not equated to hot, except for Vindaloo, which is According to president Joseph Cinque, the organization’s board of trustees includes internationally renowned chefs, fiery hot. such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Alain Ducasse and Thomas Keller to name a few. “To be honored,” says Lunch buffet While prices for all menu items are very reasonable, the week- Townhouse owner Jeremy Sasson, “is something remarkable day lunch buffet is the deal at $8.95 and $4.45 for kids, and and a testament to where metro Detroit is headed in the $9.95/$4.95 weekends. Items change daily, but generally restaurant scene.” Cinque expressed similarly, “This is our include at least one southern India appetizer, a southern India first award in Michigan, which I’ve learned has many best soup, and one of the five main courses in a southern cooking kept secrets when it comes to restaurants.” (180 Pierce St., Birmingham, 248.792.5241.) style. Weekend buffets have extra items and feature the popular Indian street food called Chaat, with such items as Pav Bhaji, Rugby Grille New Patio: Opening May 1, under a full green which looks like a Sloppy Joe and Chaat Papdi (crisp chips) awning and three feet above the sidewalk, 22 diners can enjoy similar to a nacho bar. Samosa Chaat is topped with curried white tablecloth patio dining rain or shine at the Townsend Hotel. Both the regular Rugby Grille menu and a special Patio chickpeas, chutney, cilantro and onions. Menu with lighter fare is offered. Patio entrance is accessed through the interior of the Townsend Hotel. Seating is first Dinner setting In the evening, relax and order from the menu at a leisure- come, first served. (100 Townsend Street, Birmingham ly pace. For appetizers, begin with the number one favorite 248.642.5999). Veggie Samosa $3.50, flaky golden pastry filled with mildly New patio at Bella Piatti: Opening in early May on a platform spiced potatoes and peas. If you're in a larger group, the in parking spaces and part of the sidewalk in front of Bella Rangoli Special Appetizer Platter $10, offers a taste of nearly Piatti, 28 diners can enjoy the full dinner menu on a first everything. come, first served basis. (167 Townsend, Birmingham Southern India dosas (crepes) are good starters. Masala 248.494.7110). Dosa $7.50, is a crisp lentil crepe with curried potato stuffing and sambar (spicy lentil soup on the side). Trio of Lamb $12, Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the includes two chops, skewered lamb strips and lamb kabob. wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for Coconut Garlic Shrimp $6, is a duo of pan-seared jumbo Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed shrimp, garlic coconut milk and fried cilantro. to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.

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BUSINESS MATTERS A Place to Be A holistic health resource, A Place to Be, has moved into Adams Square at 725 South Adams Road in Birmingham. “I do consultation and coaching to guide people in a healthier lifestyle and making healthier food choices,” said owner Sheryl Shenefelt. “I guide people in nutritional choices to improve health and wellness. I also do ‘Shop with Sheryl,’ a program where I take people through Whole Foods Market and I show them things to look for, things to avoid, healthier food choices and how to read labels. I also connect people with local farmers, resources and healthier choices.” Shenefelt has been practicing nutrition for over 10 years and previously worked with Dr. David Brownstein at The Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield. “I took some time to be with my kids, but decided to open the business once my kids started school,” she said. “I have two young children in Birmingham schools and I wanted to be close to my home and my family.” The healthy lifestyle guru has coauthored four nutritional books with Brownstein and has been a resident of Birmingham for 13 years.

Perfect Trading Company Perfect Trading Company has moved into the Bloomfield Commons shopping center at 3643 West Maple Road in Bloomfield

Township. The multi-purpose clothing, gift and accessory store offers specialty items for outdoor trips and summer camps. “We felt there was a void in the market in this area,” said owner Audrey Klayman. “When our kids went away for summer camp, there wasn’t anything fun or different for them and we wanted to get them downtownpublications.com

excited about going away to camp.” The 1,600 square foot space offers sweatshirts, T-shirts, sleeping bags, laundry bags, water bottles and toiletry bags. “We offer camping gear and we do promotional products and customized printing,” Klayman said. “Schools will also come in and create their team spirit wear.” Perfect Trading Company, located at West Maple and Lahser roads, is owned and operated by Klayman and her husband, Brian.

La Feast closes La Feast, a Middle Eastern eatery located at 297 East Maple, has recently closed its doors. Owners of the establishment were unable to be reached for comment regarding the closure.

Touch of India Touch of India, a new restaurant serving Indian cuisine, just opened in the space previously occupied by La Feast at 297 East Maple Road in Birmingham. It features traditional Indian fare.

Full service trucking Heavy Weight Enterprises, a full service expediting trucking company, has moved into 261 East Maple in Birmingham. “What we do is we find folks who are interested in transportation and want to be self-employed,” said owner Amer Batal. Heavy Weight Enterprises provides interested drivers with a program to operate a company truck with a national carrier. “We coach them on how to run their business and provide them with their equipment, which is the truck.” The company offers drivers the opportunity to take on an owner/operator position even if they do not have the finances to run a business or the capital to purchase a truck. The company was founded in 2008 by Batal in his home office in Troy. Batal chose Birmingham to open his offices for its central location to clients.

Gross. “I’m mostly offering classes for women. In the summer, I’ll have some teen classes as well. (Clients) can register online.” Rather than traditional ballet attire, Gross encourages patrons to come dressed in comfortable clothing and socks. “I’m really going to stress posture, flexibility, core strength and balance.” Gross has a background in teaching ballet and previously worked as a fitness trainer. As a resident of the city, Gross said Birmingham is the ideal place to start a business. “I’ve lived in Birmingham since 1997 and it is a great town,” she said. “It’s a great community to open a business like this. Everyone is so supportive of each other. Other shops and merchants put up flyers on their counters for each other and I just love the community feel.” The 500 square foot space, previously occupied by iDesign, required little remodeling. “I put up mirrors and barres and I was ready to go,” she said. In addition to fitness classes, Releve' will host ballerina parties for little girls on the weekends.

Verizon Wireless Center The Verizon Wireless Center has moved into 3611 W. Maple Road, located in the Bloomfield Commons shopping center at the corner of

New Birmingham eatery Try It Raw, a unique new eatery, is scheduled to move into the space at 213 East Maple Road in June. “There aren’t many places like it in Michigan,” said owner Michael Severance. “We’re going to have juices, smoothies, salads, granola, raw lasagna and raw tacos. Everything will be gluten-free, vegan and uncooked.” The 30-yearold entrepreneur had been a sushi caterer prior to starting the business. “The reason I chose this business is because raw food is the healthiest way you can eat,” Severance said. “We’ll be able to give people a healthier option.” The space, previously occupied by Subway restaurant, will require no major construction. “We’ll leave a lot of things that are already there. We’ll just change the look of it.” The nearby resident chose Birmingham for its location and potential clientele. “Residents of Birmingham seem to be very health conscious,” he said. “I think they’d be willing to spend a little extra for healthy and organic options.”

Beauty supply store Ulta Beauty has recently opened at 2161 South Telegraph Road, north of Square Lake Road, in the Bloomfield Town Square shopping center. The beauty supply store offers makeup, fragrances, skincare products and hair care items.

New Fitness studio Releve', a barre core fitness studio, has just opened at 160 Elm Street in Birmingham. “(Barre core fitness) is loosely based on the ballet exercise technique,” said owner Donna

retailer will offer clients the ability to upgrade or activate their service, pay their bill and purchase cellular phones and accessories. “We’ll also offer classes to teach about smart phones and tablets.” The area was chosen as a destination for its location and proximity to prominent clientele. “It’s a high-end community and we wanted to give high-end service,” he said. “The staff is extremely friendly and we give a lot of one-on-one time.” The retailer staffs six employees and offers water and coffee to its clientele.

West Maple and Lahser roads. “We’re offering full service for all your cellular needs,” said Dan Oprita, manager. The premium

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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.

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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Short Sale Expert Answers your Questions

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Alan Cobb, FAIA, to give architectural history talk

What is a short sale?

“90 and Beyond” Community History Luncheon: The Community House (TCH) is delighted that Alan Cobb, SVP of Architectural Design at the Albert Kahn Family of Companies will give a historical architectural overview of buildings and houses in our surrounding communities over 90 years old at a June 19th lunch. Alan is a distinguished Fellow of the AIA, immediate past president of the Michigan AIA, and we’re happy to say, new to the TCH board of directors. Alan’s talk will take us through many of the amazing buildings and homes that Albert Kahn designed in our area, as well as the architectural history of the community. Join in appreciating our history: I am sure many of you have clients whose relatives or businesses are in their 90s (including TCH soon!). Treat them to lunch to say thank you for helping to build this community. Please go to our website at: tchserves.org to purchase tickets or a table. Feel free to include both a “then and now” picture of the person, business and/or building you want to recognize. Tables of eight start at $360. Tickets are $45 for two or more.

A short sale is simply selling your home for less than you owe on your mortgage.

How much does it cost? There is NEVER an upfront cost to do a short sale. Your lender pays all costs.

What is the HAFA Program? The HAFA Program pays sellers $3000 to short sale their primary residence. It is CRITICAL to hire a Realtor with extensive knowledge and expertise closing short sales. Kathy has had tremendous success with her Short Sales.

Camille Jayne

Kathy A Manoogian

“Jazzy Nights on the Terrace” at TCH: Since we have the largest and most beautiful outdoor terrace in town facing the lovely Shain Park, we’re excited to let you know you can enjoy “Jazzy Nights on the Terrace” Thursday nights this summer July 12th through August 16th. We’re delighted that WRCJ 90.9 (Jazzy Nights!) is our radio partner, and that jazz trombonist Ron Kischuck will be the artistic director for the six-week series. Ron is known for his Tartersauce Traditional Jazz band, being featured with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, as well as big band sounds. Small plates menu, desserts and alcoholic beverages will be available. Save your summer Thursdays!

248 515 8013 Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel 298 E Brown Street Birmingham MI 48009

kmanoogian@cbwm.com

BIRMINGHAM

May 9th Bulletproof Your Success™ Lecture – Speed Walking to the Big Ideas: We had a full house of 85 business people at our April lecture. The Wednesday, May 9th 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. is about developing a concise strategic plan (no more than 8 pages) to define what products or services you offer, how to segment your market, and what value components your target customers demand. Make sure you’re "going to the right places, the right way” for yourself, your department or your business. Due to room change in May, seating is limited to 60 people. Register at: tchbulletproof.org. May 12th 10:00-11:30 a.m. Mother Daughter Tea Party: Bring your mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt, niece, friend or favorite doll to celebrate with the favorite women in your life. Tea, sweets and punch. Enjoy entertainment by TCH Ballet Ensemble, a storyteller and group activities. $14 per adult; $10 per child (ages one to 12 years old). Reservations at: tchserves.org or call 248.644.5832.

GIRL POWER

May 14th Senior Men’s Club Benefit Concert: Come enjoy internationally acclaimed pianist Marina Arsenijevic. Proceeds benefit TCH and the Senior Men’s Club Legacy Endowment Fund. Call Bill Johnson for tickets at: 248.646.5538. May Day Travel Trips Available: Holland Tulip Festival, Holland MI, Wednesday, May 9th; Designer Showhouse, Grosse Pointe, Thursday, May 10th; “IPagliacci”, Michigan Opera House, Friday, May 11th; Rembrandt in America with Michael Farrell in Cleveland, May 12th. Overnight trip to Chicago for a Frank Lloyd Wright house tour June 1-2. Taking reservations for a 7 night trip to Paris, September 613th. Call 248.644.5832.

Self Defense • Build Self Esteem • Confidence

Annual Fund Drive Kick Off: TCH 2012 Annual Fund Drive kicks off in May. As a nonprofit, TCH relies on community donors to achieve our mission to improve people’s lives. TCH is honored to have Laurie and Robb Farr serving as our annual fund drive chairs. To donate, e-mail Marc Melton at marcm@tchserves.org, or call 248-594.6404 to find out how you can support the annual fund. Camille Jayne is President & CEO of The Community House. downtownpublications.com

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Call For Summer Programs 2219 Cole Street Birmingham MI 48009 www.bmartialarts.com

248.646.6608 95

Dancing with the Stars comes to Birmingham!

If you are thinking about Divorce, want to protect your assets and get a fair shake from the system, call Dave Potts…..before your spouse does.

Mark your calendar! Mark “Corky” Ballas, seven time undefeated United States International Latin Champion and competitor on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, is coming to Birmingham for the Grand Opening of Birmingham Ballroom on June 1, 2012. There will be limited private lesson opportunities with Mr. Ballas May 31 – June 1. Time is running out - there are only a few spots remaining! Call Birmingham Ballroom at (248)-792-6263.

Birmingham Ballroom

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DOWNTOWN

T-W-F 10-6, Thur 10-7:30, Sat 10-5:30

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

DSO Classical Roots Celebration

DSO Classical Roots Celebration The 12th annual Classical Roots Celebration at the MAX was a magical night. It honored the late Dr. Arthur Johnson, a beloved civil rights Sally Gerak activist and scholar who loved music and the arts. He founded the event to draw more attention to the Classical Roots Concerts. Since 1978, they had been featuring African American contributions to classical music. By adding a gala social – a pre-concert reception and dinner and after glow with desserts and dancing - Johnson reasoned more awareness and funds could be raised to nurture African American composers, performers, conductors and audiences. He was right. The Saturday night concert crowd of 1,268 included 250 Celebration guests. Counting faithful sponsors, the Celebration raised more than $175,000 and inspired another $500,000 donation by Johnson’s old pal/DSO board member Dr. William Pickard and his Global Automotive Alliance to establish the Arthur L. Johnson African American Artist Fund. And Pickard’s challenge to others to grow the fund was immediately picked up by PVS Chemicals’s Jim Nicholson. Johnson was surely smiling broadly from on high as those gifts were announced, as well as at the vision of his handsome widow Chacona who co-chaired the Celebration with Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Herman Gray. Another source of joy for the remarkable man would likely have been that the Friday morning Classical Roots Coffee Concert played to an audience of 1,208, including many Detroit Public Schools children who were sponsored by generous organizations. For more information about the Arthur L. Johnson African American Artist Fund or to make a contribution, contact Reimer Priester at (313) 576-5474. Passover Tables Celebration Temple Beth El’s third annual Passover Tables exhibition was a visual feast of creativity and tradition. It was served up two times – to the newthis-year high tea crowd at noon and the cocktail crowd at 6 p.m. For both, the challenge was to study the incredible detail on the 21 tables. And if you arrived at a tablescape when the designer was present, you could learn about several generations of the family, or, as Rabbi Daniel Syme did, discover the first sterling silver Seder plate he had ever seen. Imagination also abounded. Barbra Bloch’s vignette transported viewers to a French vineyard where nearly 1,000 years ago lived a great Talmud commentator, and Humble Design took viewers to the “Mad Men” mid-century modern time before children were part of the imaginary sophisticated family. Undoubtedly, more than a few hostesses who will set Passover tables got some design ideas at the Temple Beth El celebration chaired by Dr. Jill Syme and Carol Segal Ziecik. The event also raised funds for Temple Beth El’s Lifelong Educational Programs. Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar operating partner Bob Loomis hosted a cocktail kick off for the Michigan Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s fundraising initiative and some 70 L&LS supporters attended. The big buzz was that last year’s Michigan Woman of the Year champion, Kelley LaFontaine, went on to win the national title. And even before Stacey Balzer told the moving story of her daughter Sydney’s battle with leukemia and the need for research funds, Marcia Fosnaugh Avis was deciding to join the three candidates nominated prior and be a contestant herself for the 2012 title. The winner is determined by the number of dollars raised. This year’s crew of four women and five men will have to hustle to match the $266,575 total the Michigan campaign raised last year. The campaign culminates at the Grand Finale Gala on June 8 at the MGM Grand. For tickets ($150), call Alicia E. Buisst at (248).581.3904 or visit www.mwoy.org/mi downtownpublications.com

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1. DSO CEO Ann Parsons (left) of Grosse Pointe, event co-chair Chacona Johnson of Detroit & DSO board chair Stanley Frankel of Bloomfield. 2. Alice Haidostian (left) of Bloomfield, Shirley & event cochair Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Herman Gray of W. Bloomfield and benefactor Maud Lyon of Grosse Pointe. 3. Jerald (left) & sponsor J.P. Morgan Chase’s Christine Kageff of Beverly Hills, Jason Tinsley of Harper Woods and Sarah McClelland & her husband Mick of Bloomfield. 4. Sponsor Barbara Van Dusen (left) of Birmingham, her daughter Lisa Van Dusen of Palo Alto, CA and benefactor Doreen Hermelin of Bingham Farms. 5. DSO CEO Ann Parsons (center) of Grosse Pointe with sponsor GM’s Gale Hill (left) of Columbus, OH & Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. 6. Benefactors Bud (left) & Nancy Liebler of Bloomfield with Mayor Dave Bing of Detroit and Leroy Ritchie of Birmingham. 7. Robin Wright King of Lathrup Village and Roslyn Baughman of Birmingham. 8. Michael & Barbara Kratchman of Bloomfield.

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK where you will also be impressed by the scope of the campaign.

Passover Tables Celebration

1. Event co-chairs Dr. Jill Syme & Carol Segal Ziecik. 2. Table designer Kathy Minns (left) with event honorary chair Elyse Foltyn and her husband David of Birmingham. 3. Karen Borenstein (left) of Birmingham and honorary co-chair Fair Radom of Bloomfield. 4. Alex (left) & Lilly Epstein Stotland of Birmingham and Brett Koretzky of Bloomfield. 5. Wendy Hamburger of Birmingham with Ronnie & Jodi Weiss and Brenda Rosenberg of Bloomfield. 6. Designer Gary Fried (left) of Detroit with David & Rose Handelman and Maureen D’Avanzo of Bloomfield. 7. Event co-chair Dr. Jill Syme and her husband Rabbi Daniel Syme of Bloomfield. 8. Marge Hiller (left) and Linda Hiller Novak of Franklin, with Laurie Hughet-Hiller and her husband Justin Hiller of Bloomfield. 9. Fred (left) & Evelyn Simons of Birmingham, Judy Greenwald of Royal Oak and table designer Barbra Bloch of Bloomfield. 10. Liz Modell (left) of Bloomfield and Treger Strasberg of Birmingham.

Man & Woman of the Year Campaign

1. Woman of the Year contestants Barbara Cassanie & Taylor Kanis of Troy, Pam Yanis of Grosse Pointe and Marcia Avis of Bloomfield. 2. Cindy Wexel (left) of Dearborn, Luara Delekta of Canton and Robert & Carol Wendzel of Bloomfield. 3. Man of the Year contestants Ryan LaFontaine (back left) of Fenton, Terry O’Donnell of Troy and host Fleming’s Bob Loomis of Shelby Twp, Girl of the Year Sydney Balzer (front) of Commerce & Boy of the Year Vinnie Perna of Clinton Twp.

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TCH Inaugural Annual Gala When a “First Annual” anything sells out you figure it must be an idea whose time has come. Such was definitely the case for The Community House Inaugural Annual Gala. It attracted 230 guests, including many first time TCH visitors, to the historic meeting house in downtown Birmingham on March 24 to honor family business owner David Trott and raise money for four children’s outreach programs. Music by the DSO Youth Chamber Ensemble escorted guests into the Wallace Ballroom for a welcome by TCH CEO and President Camille Jayne, who co-chaired the gala with TCH event director Kathie Ninneman. A superb dinner catered by Plum Market preceded Trott’s acceptance remarks in which he shared the saga of his parents’ business journey with Trott & Trott, P.C. and his experience expanding their legacy, including their values of community service. After Trott’s acceptance remarks and a standing ovation, guests put their money ($17,000) where it would enrich children through four outreach programs by raising their paddles in a brief live pledging auction. Keynote speaker Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour then spotlighted the importance of TCH programs that encourage kids to move onto higher education, the demand for which is on the rise, and the positive impact of life-long learning. It is the sine qua non at TCH which creates more vibrant lives for 200,000 people each year without any tax dollars. The Inaugural Annual Gala raised $143,000 and has inspired the Second Annual Gala, March 16, 2013. Jayne would love people to recommend the next family business owner to honor. ‘Ask Your Neighbor’ 50th Anniversary Detroit Public TV’s Riley Broadcast Center in Wixom was a splendid place to salute the 50th anniversary of Bob Allison’s “Ask Your Neighbor” talk radio program. More than 200 friends of the broadcast legend, his wife Maggie Allesee and DPTV, which Bob serves as a trustee, watched the live broadcast while enjoying hospitality from Sweet Lorraine’s, Joe Antonini and Eddie Jonna. It was accented with 05.12

music by Rennie Kaufman and his daughter. Some guests were broadcast live paying their respects. Huntington Bank’s Mike Feezey recalled that his first job was selling ads for “Ask Your Neighbor” on WWJAM when it was the number one show in the nation’s number five radio market. Currently co-hosted with son Rob Allison, 9-11 a.m., Monday through Friday on WNZK 690-AM, “Ask Your Neighbor” still solves common household problems with advice from listeners who call in. Both father and son use Allison as a professional name because their real name Allesee was considered “too ethnic” when Bob started broadcasting in the early 1960s. The anniversary celebration was a DPTV fundraiser. It netted $45,000, including $14,000 generated in on-air pledges during the Sunday evening party. Michigan Fine Arts Competition Preview The evening before the 30th Annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition opened Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center President & CEO Annie VanGelderen and her team invited special BBAC friends to sip wine, see the 236 installed works by 177 artists, and meet the juror MiKyoung Lee. Lee, who had taught at the BBAC when she was a masters candidate (Cranbrook Art Academy ‘98), had her cherubic two-month-old in her arms. She was pleased with the exhibition and had just finished selecting the prize winners. Doug and Claudia Hall Stroud led us to their daughter Hattie’s two photographic studies that were in the show. The architectural student comes by her talent naturally. Her grandmother is Carolyn Hall, a fiber artist and author who is a BBAC cofounder. The MFAC show is a not-tomiss display of color, talent and amazement. It is open free to the public through May 4.

FJC Donor Reception Founders Junior Council, the young professionals auxiliary of the Detroit Institute of Arts, recently gave $250,000 to the museum’s 125th anniversary campaign. The money will support general operating costs, programming, and the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection, the most important theatrical puppet collection in the United States. A downtownpublications.com

TCH Inaugural Annual Gala

5 1. Honoree Dave Trott (left) of Birmingham, TCH’s CEO and event co-chair Camille Jayne of Bloomfield with presenting sponsor Technology Equity Associates’ Beddow W. David of Sante Fe, NM. 2. Honoree Dave Trott (right) of Birmingham with his “harem:” daughters Courtney (left) & Taylor and wife Kappy. 3. TCH’s Camille Jayne (left) of Bloomfield with keynote speaker / WSU’s Allan Gilmour and his partner Eric Jirgens of Birmingham. 4. Christa & Greg Schwartz of Bloomfield. 5. Sponsors Hugh & Debbie Sloan of Bloomfield. 6. Beth (left) & John North of Birmingham, Kelly Sweeney of Bloomfield and Dave & Tina Eick of Birmingham. 7. Bob (left) and Maggie Allesee and Jeanne Hackett of Bloomfield. 8. Mary (left) & Bill Weatherston of Beverly Hills with sponsors Barbara & Jim Suhay of Birmingham. 9. Tom McCarthy & his wife Nancy of Bloomfield. 10. Brad Jayne of NYC and John Schrot of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK plaque recognizing the donation has been installed at the museum’s puppet display case. When DIA director Graham Beal thanked the FJC donors and friends at a cocktail reception March 29 at the museum, he also noted that since its founding 30 years ago the FJC has granted more than $2 million to the DIA. FJC president Chris Trebilcock added his thanks for their hard work to the members present. Board members past and present in the crowd of 75 included Trish Dewald, Amy Zimmer, Stacey Leuliette, Bill Burdett, Anthony Ahee, Blake Ellis, Sebastian Sullen, Nicole Wagner, Joe Posch, Carlos & Veronica Carmona, Andrew Camden, Marcia & Reggie Turner and Sarah & Todd Hecker. Corporate sponsors who contributed to the FJC’s gift include: MillerCanfield, Amerisure, Neiman Marcus, Quicken Loans, Somerset Collection and Walbridge.

‘Ask Your Neighbor’ 50th Anniversary

1. Maggie & celebrant Bob (Allison) Allesee of Bloomfield. 2. Karen Williams (left) of Bloomfield with DPTV production manager Carlota Akmanza of Detroit. 3. WSU president Allan Gilmour (left) of Birmingham, Christina Lovio & John George of Bloomfield and Bob Lipson of Huntington Woods. 4. DPTV board chair Melonie Colaianne (left) of Northville with Larry & Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 5. Joanne & Ed Deeb of Bloomfield. 6. Judy McClelland (left) of Birmingham with Shirley Shirock of Novi. 7. Virinder Moudgil (left) of Rochester Hills, Steve Sharf & DPTV CEO Rich Holmberg of Bloomfield. 8. Karen Pastor (left) of White Lake with Tom & Sonia Ajluni of Bloomfield.

Project HOPE Behind the Scenes Nearly 40 WD members and their guests saw features of Meadow Brook Hall not normally on public tours - secret windows, stairways and ladders that gave Matilda Wilson and her family convenient and private movement around the 110-room, 88,000 sq. ft manse. Brigitte Krawiec is chairing the next WD event - the annual Kentucky Derby Party Saturday, May 5 at Bloomfield open Hunt. Call her at for information.

Eton Academy Gala and Auction More than 200 attended Eton Academy’s 26th Annual Gala and Auction. The black tie event, themed “Experience the Transformation,” was chaired by Drs. Shawn and Andrew Sulich, who have a son at the school for students with learning challenges. They led a team of 26 families who worked for months organizing the event. It provides critical scholarship and operating funds. In addition to a fine seated dinner by Tre Monti Ristorante, a raffle, silent auction and the live auction conducted by Dan Stall, the program included presentations by students past and present. Alexa Roberts and Tabby Geiger sang. Leora Bernard welcomed guests. Kyle Thomas gave an entertaining demonstration of a language drill. And Katy Dasch,

Michigan Fine Arts Competition Preview

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2 1. Myron LaBan (left) of Bloomfield with juror MiKyoung Lee and her 2-month old Seoha Fitts of Philadelphia, PA. 2. Jane Linn (left) of W. Bloomfield, BBAC board member Lynn Forbush of Bloomfield and Cindi Mills of Beverly Hills. 3. Sean & Janice Degen of Bloomfield. 4. Sara Shirley (left) and Myrle Leland of W. Bloomfield, Joyce LaBan of Bloomfield and BBAC CEO/Pres. Annie Van Gelderen of Commerce. 5. Gallery sponsors Max Broock’s Keith Watson of Royal Oak and Michael DeForest of Waterford. 6. Claudia & Doug Stroud of Bloomfield.

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EA ’07, the keynote speaker, credited her Eton teachers with turning the weight on her shoulders into wings. Dasch recently graduated from Wilmington College with a degree in Animal Science, an internship with the USDA, and more than 1,400 hours in community service. “At Eton I learned about my learning disability and about myself,” she said. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the event raised $334,000. Early Childhood Children’s Art Gallery There are many art exhibitions at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center but it’s difficult to imagine a more excited audience than that which viewed the Birmingham Public Schools Early Childhood Center’s Children’s Art Gallery. The one-day show attracted most of the 150 participating young artists, their siblings and parents. A large volunteer crew of the latter had framed and hung the exhibit. It included three individual works for each youngster plus collaborative works by each of the nine classrooms. Some of it was raffled, some auctioned and some sold at a set price. There were also art activities; storytelling and refreshments courtesy of Miller Canfield law firm whose Lynn Sirich co-chaired the event with Dawn Buley. Funds raised will be used to purchase new equipment and materials for the gym and music programs. Who’s Your Bartender? The scene at Dick O’Dow’s the week after St. Patrick’s Day was just as boisterous when some 400 supporters of the Kidney Foundation gathered throughout the evening to order drinks and raise dollars for the foundation. Volunteer bartenders were taking the orders and earned titles for serving the most. Brenda Leonard, who was also celebrating a birthday, won first place with $3,680. Kelley LaFontaine won second place with $3,560. Dave Hughes won third place with $2,635. Other good sport bartenders were Stacey Kives, Bill O’Connor, Marcus Connor, Terri Macksoud, Suzanne Faber, Rudy Stonisch, Monica Mourad, Bonnie Zsigo, Craig Solgan, Casey Hurbis, Lisa Gilpin and Jerry Hall, who co-chaired the event with Laura Beckeman and Kirsten Mumma. The spirited event raised more than $20,256. downtownpublications.com

Eton Academy Gala and Auction

5 1. Event chairs Drs. Andrew & Shawn Sulich of Bloomfield with Laurie & Eton Head of School Peter Pullen of Royal Oak. 2. Decorations committee members Celia Lipsky (left), Sally Smith and Jannie Teitelman with Eton Advancement director Blythe Moran of Bloomfield. 3. Mike & steering committee member Heather Flint Putz of Birmingham. 4. Marge Doty (left) of Troy with Tom & steering committee member Janet Twomey of Bloomfield. 5. Greg, Tabby & steering committee member Dr. Mara Geiger of Birmingham. 6. Eton instructor Laura Rosenberg (left) of Royal Oak with students Alexa Roberts of Royal Oak and Julian VanHellemont of Birmingham. 7. Keynote speaker Katy Dasch of Bloomfield.

Early Childhood Children’s Art Gallery

2 1. Artist Paloma Egido of Birmingham. 2. Event chairs Dawn Buley (left) of Beverly Hills and Lynn Sirich with Sandra Kassa Rogers of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Who’s Your Bartender?

WRCJ 90.9 FM’s Kresge Society More than 60 jazz and classical music buffs who put their money where their hearts are, i.e. in WRCJ 90.9 FM’s Kresge Society, convened at The Village Club to salute three of the station’s most generous friends. After sipping, supping and socializing, the station’s Chris Felcyn commended Barbara Nickles, Dave Wagner extolled Lee Barthel, and Roger Sherman applauded Margot Kohler as one “…who has been with us since day one.” The station survived extinction in 2005 when the Detroit Public Schools, which owns it, selected as its manager the Detroit Educational Television Foundation, which owns Detroit Public Television’s WTVS. Its classical programming includes DSO and MOT broadcasts, as well as jazz through the night. For detailed schedules, go to www.wrcjfm.org.

1. Kris Melcher (left) of Hartland, event cochair Laura Beckeman of Birmingham, Jennifer Novak of Royal Oak and Kitty Dickson of Birmingham. 2. Event co-chair Kirsten Mumma (left) of Troy, bartenders Monica Mourad of Grosse Pointe and Brenda Leonard with Karla Kish of Birmingham. 3. John Giardot (left) of Beverly Hills with event co-chair Jerry Hall and bartender Terri Macksoud of Birmingham. 4. Bartenders Rudy Stonisch (center) of Birmingham and Marcus Connor (left) with Lisa Ryan of Bloomfield.

WRCJ 90.9 FM’s Kresge Society

1. Honoree Margot’s Euro Spa’s Margot Kohler (left) of Lake Angelus, Lois Shaevsky of Bloomfield and Woodward Camera’s Bert Weidner of Birmingham. 2. Ruby Weidner of Birmingham and honoree Lee Barthel of Farmington Hills. 3. WRCJ’s station manager Dave Devereaux (left) of Troy and Dick Rassel of Bloomfield. 4. DPTV’s Rich Homberg (left) of Bloomfield with honoree Barbara Nickles and Peggy Scully of Grosse Pointe and Lynne Witt of Farmington Hills.

Newcomers Club Annual Dinner Dance Some 149 members of the Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club and their guests frolicked in the spirit of “One Thousand and One Nights” at the club’s annual dinner dance. Co-chairs Jumana Cooper and Karen West and their committee embellished The Reserve with glittering fabrics and flying carpets galore to set the stage for a fairy tale soiree. It is but one of the club’s social opportunities for area newcomers, many of whom are from other countries. The BBNC is sponsored by The Community House. Persons interested in joining may contact membership chair Gabriele Smith at bbnc.membership@gmail.com or visit www.bbnewcomers.com.

4 Newcomers Club Annual Dinner Dance

1. BBNC President Karin Losch (3rd from left) of Rochester Hills with Dinner Dance Committee(from left) Martina Bode of Bloomfield, Karen West of Rochester Hills, Ghida Bilani, Jumana Cooper of Bloomfield, Antoinette Habbouche, Gabriele Smith of Rochester, Heidi Jueckstock of Bloomfield. 2. Silvia and Rolf Assmuth of Bloomfield Hills. 3. Michael and Birge Kanzleiter of Birmingham. 4. BBNC Vice President Karen West of Rochester, Scott Cooper of Bloomfield, BBNC President Karin Losch of Rochester Hills and Tanja Rankl of Bloomfield.

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DOWNTOWN

Brother Rice Irish Nite 2012 The 35th annual Irish Nite auction brought a spirited crowd of 440 school loyalists to Brother Rice High School for serious socializing, dining on the stroll catered by parent Tom Violante’s Holiday Market, sipping wines from Celani Family Vineyards and auction bidding. Electronic devices were used for bidding in the silent auction which raised $68,000. The live auction conducted by Rip Hayes featured several trips coordinated by BRHS alums in NYC, Chicago, and Las Vegas, but the wine-focused trip to Napa Valley 05.12

brought in the top bid of $7,000. Dr. Michael Cotent was the lucky winner of the two-year lease in the Ford Escape raffle sponsored by North Brothers Ford. It raised $12,300, bringing the event revenues to $240,000-plus. Bear Hug Hibernation Celebration The 10th annual Hibernation Celebration attracted 170 to a casino-themed party at 30 North in Pontiac. Following a strolling dinner, guests bid $10,000 in a live auction and gambled at the craps and poker tables with the top chips holders winning donated prizes. This event is the premier fundraiser for the Bear Hug Foundation, which provides a summer camp experience for underprivileged, at-risk and special needs youth. A highlight of the evening was the heartwarming testimonials of two campers and their foster father. Funds raised will send 300 kids to camp this summer. ASH Benefit 2012 – Viva le Conge Event chairs Yvonne McCready and Sue Spangler and their committee named the Academy of the Sacred Heart annual auction benefit after the school’s popular French exclamation. It means “Long live the holiday” and it gave ASH mom Kathy Carroll all the inspiration she needed to produce a gallery of boulevard art to decorate the Bloomfield Hills Country Club for the party. Carroll’s art, as well as many student creations, were all the buzz among the 245 school supporters who attended. They dined at tables centered with beautiful French-themed baskets made by Susan Chae, Debbie Mullins and Colleeen Nagle. ASH alumna dad Rip Hayes, who conducted the live auction, had just returned from NYC where he was the auctioneer for the Culinary Institute of America’s big scholarship fundraiser. We marveled that he got the New York crowd to bid more ($15,500) for a Harbor Springs Dream Golf Getaway package than they did for more exotic trips to China and Tibet. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com

Brother Rice Irish Nite 2012

1. Event co-chairs Elaina Ryder (left) of Birmingham and Maria Glod of Bloomfield with BRHS development director Ed Shaffer of Troy. 2. Deb (left) & Dan Wilhelm of Rochester, committee member Suzanne & Brad Cross of Royal Oak and event co-chair David Glod of Bloomfield. 3. Committee member Patti Jessup and BRHS board vice chair Tom Dekar of Bloomfield. 4. Past BRHS board chair Chuck Taunt (left) and Nancy and current board chair Ed Schwartz of Bloomfield. 5. Jerry (left) & Mary Ann Lievois of Bloomfield with Clune Walsh of Birmingham & her father Pat of Bloomfield.

Bear Hug Hibernation Celebration

1. Lisa Corey (left) of Birmingham, Matt Egrin of Huntington Woods, Michelle Shapiro of West Bloomfield and Maggie Egrin of Huntington Woods. 2. Ian and Marcy Burnstein of Bloomfield Hills with Brad and Lonnee Cohen of Huntington Woods.

ASH Benefit 2012 – Viva le Conge

5 DOWNTOWN

1. Event co-chairs Sue Spangler (left) and Yvonne McCready of Bloomfield.2. Event sponsor Sis Fisher of Bloomfield with Barbie doll fashions she handmade for silent auction. 3. Elyse (left) & auctioneer Rip Hayes with ASH head Sister Bridget Bearss of Bloomfield. 4. Matthew & Michelle Jonna of Bloomfield. 5. Christa & Sean Moran of Bloomfield.

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ENDNOTE

Endorsements for May 8 election revisited

n our April issue we carried Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Hills Schools endorsements for the May 8th election because of the high number of absentee ballot voters in the local communities. For those who are casting their vote in person, we repeat our ballot recommendations in abbreviated format. A complete version of these endorsements appear on the home page of our website, downtownpublications.com. Bloomfield Hills Schools bond Residents living within the Bloomfield Hills Schools District will have the opportunity to decide the fate of a bond millage to unify the district's two high schools into one school facility on the current site of Andover High School. The bond proposal is for $58.6 million which would be paid off over 26 years. If approved, bond proceeds would be supplemented by funding now on hand to complete the project, which the administration estimates at approximately $20 million. The funding would allow the district to recreate Andover into Bloomfield Hills High School, a facility able to accommodate 1,650 students in an innovative educational space designed for 21st technological learning environment. This is the third time in recent years the district has attempted to re-organize its high schools through bonding proposals to meet not only the current educational needs of its students but projected future needs as well. This proposal strikes us as a more practical, considered one, devised after numerous town hall meetings, community committees sessions,

fireside chats and other open forums with parents, students, faculty, administrators and community members. Creating the combined high school will save operational costs of up to $2.5 million annually, while maintaining small classes of demanding courses for which the district is known. Voters need to understand that they will not pay more taxes even if they vote for this proposal because a previous debt bond expires in 2014. This bond proposal would represent 1.16 mills annually for taxpayers, so a homeowner with a $400,000 home would likely pay only $232 a year. If the bond is defeated, both Andover and Lahser will be utilized as a single high school on two campuses, but neither will be updated or maintained to the quality of 21st century technological standards. There just won't be the money for that. We recommend a YES vote for Bloomfield Hills Schools millage. Bloomfield City Commission Also on May 8 ballot, Bloomfield Hills residents will be asked to choose two of their five city commissioners. The two commissioners whose seats are expiring, Sarah McClure and Connie Salloum, are both running for re-election, challenged by Michael Dul and John Monaghan, both of whom have experience on the city's planning commission, and Mark Kapel, who is a member of the city's zoning board of appeals. From our viewpoint, JOHN MONAGHAN, a retired Chrysler executive, is extremely knowledgeable on the issues, and would instigate

invigorating discussions and be a catalyst, not afraid to challenge the status quo. As Monaghan said during our interview, "The status quo is a prescription for moving backwards." We absolutely agree. There is no debating that incumbent SARAH MCCLURE understands the financial issues which have plagued Bloomfield Hills. Her background as a financial consultant has been extremely valuable as a commissioner since she was elected to her first term in 2010, and she has successfully helped the commission and staff trim approximately $1 million from the city's budget. She has also instituted a long needed citywide ethics policy, and personally raised all of the necessary donated funds for the Woodward Avenue beautification project trees. But McClure has a very forceful personality, which some find antagonistic, and she bristles when others do not immediately follow her lead. She also seems confused on what the role of a city commissioner is and how it does not include micro-managing the city. If you are pleased with McClure's efforts, re-elect her. If you, as we do (and did in 2010), have concerns, consider MICHAEL DUL. He is a landscape architect with excellent preservation instincts who impressed us with his broad knowledge of development, his planning background, financial and economic expertise as a business owner, his sensitivity regarding treatment of the city's staff, and his willingness to speak his mind. Both Monaghan and Dul would offer a wider range of thoughts and opinions on all city matters, which we believe is desperately needed at this time in the city.

It's time to take decisive action

oet T. S. Eliot famously said April is the cruelest month. Birmingham City Manager Robert Bruner and Police Chief Don Studt would likely agree. This past April began with a weekend in which fights broke out among drunken patrons leaving South, Chen Chow and Streetside Seafood; another woman alleged her drink at South was spiked with the date rape drug GHB and she ended up in the hospital; a man attempted to rape a woman in her bedroom when she returned from a night out with friends; and a jeweler on Woodward was robbed during the middle of the night of almost $40,000 worth of goods. One weekend three patrons leaving The Corner Bar took a woman's credit cards, and then beat up a taxi driver as they attempted to stiff him for the fare. On another evening, an 18-year-old Troy teen decided Birmingham was the place to bring a loaded rifle. Then there were the gunshots fired outside of South. It's as if the cozy bedroom community of Birmingham suddenly imploded. Except it's not sudden, and in reality, it hasn't imploded. But as anyone who has ever studied marketing or, more importantly, listened to their mother knows, impressions count. And the current impression is that Birmingham is a dangerous,

unsavory community attracting people more interested in getting drunk and fighting than in enjoying quality restaurant meals and patronizing the city's diverse retail establishments. And that is a very dangerous impression for a city that has worked exceedingly hard to extend the welcome mat to numerous retail businesses, both local boutiques and nationally-owned stores. The Birmingham Principal Shopping District (PSD) has spent years cultivating companies near and far, and despite an abysmal national economy, has done a Herculean job filling most of the town's first floor vacancies with a vibrant mix of stores and businesses. Over the years, the PSD worked with city staff to help develop the bistro license to include outdoor dining in an effort to encourage walkability and interest in the streets. The proof is clear. Just a few years ago, Pierce Street had numerous street-level vacancies. Today, Townhouse, Toast, Elie's and Streetside Seafood beckon visitors to enjoy their fare. Equally importantly, diners likely wander past and stroll into numerous numerous retail locations around the city. The bistros and restaurants fulfill their mission of revitalizing and inviting patrons into Birmingham. There is a great concern, however, that those coming into the city's bars and nightclubs do not fulfill that mission, and are actually deterring others

from coming to Birmingham, and the city needs to recognize and quickly get a handle on this perception before it becomes the overriding city image. The shooting outside of South on April 2 has frightened and angered residents and businesspeople, not because they are racist or bigoted against a certain class of people, but because of what the economic and social repercussions are doing to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it will and probably already is driving people away from eating and spending money in Birmingham. The owners of South like to point out that their place is not the only site of problems in the city, although it may well be the only liquor establishment where gunshots have been fired by a patron after exiting. They also say it's not their fault that people who come to their nightclub fight outside their bar, that it's a problem with society. But they have control over their business model. When they presented their site plan for South it was for a casual Tex Mex eatery with a sports bar, not a nightclub. Just as the city commission approved their initial site plan, they have the authority to investigate and recommend revocation of the South liquor license, which the Michigan Liquor Control Commission will follow. The time is now for decisive action on South, and at some point possibly other trouble spots, before everyone in Birmingham suffers from the actions of a few.

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