Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield by Downtown Publications Inc.

MY FAMILY SEES ME,

NOT MY STROKE. Gloria is not defined by her stroke. She just wants to be able to talk about it.

Fortunately for Gloria, she has the experts of Henry Ford making sure she’s able to walk and talk again. With one of the premier neuroregenerative laboratory research centers in the world and a team of nationally recognized stroke neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroendovascular specialists, the Henry Ford Stroke and Neurovascular Center is treating nearly 1,000 stroke patients every year with the very latest in clinical trials, groundbreaking therapies and innovative surgical techniques. As a National Institutes of Health Stroke Center for more than 22 years, they’re giving stroke survivors like Gloria a second chance at life.

HENRY FORD NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY. Michigan’s only program named “America’s Best” for the past 14 consecutive years by U.S.News & World Report.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD.

MICHIGAN’S TOP PRODUCER 2010 Luxury Homes & Lakefront Lifestyle

Wing Lake East Coast Contemporary

Newer in Bloomfield 3.9 Private Acres

Custom Built in Bloomfield Every Amenity Imaginable!

Birmingham 1.2 Acres 6 Bedroom Suites

Bloomfield Waterfront Luxury Over 10,000 Sq. Ft.

$3,250,000

$2,775,000

$2,575,000

$2,295,000

$1,995,000

All Sports Pine Lake Lakefront

Birmingham 5 Bedroom 4 Car Garage

Lake Angelus Lakefront Spectacular Design and Layout

Bloomfield Like New Gorgeous Manicured Lot

$1,600,000

$1,529,000

$1,499,000

$1,099,000

City of Bloomfield Vacant Land Adjacent to Cranbrook

Bloomfield Hills Site Condo on Private Street

K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD Quarton Lake Remodel Bloomfield Site Condo 3 Car Garage Large Yard Spectacular Location and Layout

248.318.4504 KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM

$999,900

$495,000

$450,000

$449,000

Waterfront West Bloomfield

City of Bloomfield Detached Ranch Condo

Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Schools

Beverly Hills Spectacular Setting and Lot

$395,000

$359,000

$349,000

$230,000

275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

KATHYBROOCKHOMES.COM

DOWNTOWN10.11

29 35

Local school districts are becoming more attuned to the impact concussions can have on their student athletes, and are becoming more proactive.

CRIME LOCATOR

CITY/TOWNSHIP

BUSINESS MATTERS Skier's Peak; Metropolitan Tailor; Jimmy John's; Birmingham Wellness Center; Gloves-On; Moran & Things; Lutz Real Estate Investments

Judy Jordan of J Vineyards & Winery has created a two-houses-under-one-roof concept to make both first-rate sparkling and still wines.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

Restaurateur Roberts expands holdings; Forte deal dead; new township trustee; Jayne joins the Community House; candidate drops from race; shul turned down.

Forthosenotresidinginthefree mail distribution area, paid subscriptionsareavailablefora $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions”inthetopindexandplaceyour orderon-lineorscantheQRCodehere.

Eclectic Asian cuisine with a cross-cultural spin, inspired by the Asian background of the owners of Mon Jin Lau, have made this Troy restaurant a popular destination.

FOCUS ON WINE

27: Ryan Connolly

DISTRIBUTION: Mailedmonthlyatnocharge tohomesinBirmingham,BloomfieldTownship andBloomfieldHills.Additionalfreecopiesare distributedathighfoot-trafficlocations.

Birmingham officials are hard at work trying to combat what seems like a growing problem at some bars in the city.

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

17: Chris Hansen

The bar problem

A number of parents in Birmingham/Bloomfield are turning to child care providers in the form of nannies and au pairs.

AT THE TABLE

FACES

Nannies, au pairs

THE COVER View of Kingswood School and Kingswood Lake, Bloomfield Hills.

ENDNOTE

DOWNTOWN P U B L I C A T I O N S DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124WESTMAPLEROADBIRMINGHAM48009 P:248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications.com twitter.com/downtownpubs

Publisher:DavidHohendorf AdManager:JillCesarz Graphics/ITManager:ChrisGrammer NewsEditor:LisaBrody

NewsStaff/Contributors:HillaryBrody, SallyGerak,Eleanor&RayHeald, AustenHohendorf,GarrettHohendorf, KathleenMeisner,LaurieTennent

DOWNTOWN

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

Our recommendations in the Birmingham city commission race.

INCOMING: Wewelcomefeedbackonboth ourpublicationandgeneralissuesofconcern intheBirmingham/Bloomfieldcommunity.The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication.Youropinionscanbesentvia e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address anddaytimephonenumberforverification.

10.11

P RESENTS

heikejarick

2011 fall & holiday collection PERSONAL APPEARANCE & STOCK SHOW

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY OCTOBER 20 AND 21, 10 - 6 A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT

2011 COMMITTEE Mindy Aronovitz Gretta Bourbeau Karen Buscemi - Styleline Dana Baskin-Cauffman

Maria Cranmer Nicole Eisenberg Wendy Eisenshtadt Kathy Forbes

Jennifer Gilbert Katherine Huber Katheryn Katz Nancy Katzman

Shannon Murphy -”Mojo in the Morning” FM95.5 Patty Prowse Fair Radom

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Julie Rothstien Nicole Wagner Heidi Wineman

FROM THE PUBLISHER ne year ago you received the first issue of Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield as we launched our monthly news magazine for the local area.

At the time I outlined a few things we hoped to present to local residents with each issue, and the release of this anniversary issue provided me with some time to review what we have delivered in the past year. In this column space in the October 2010 issue, I said then that we hoped to both inform and entertain local residents each month. We set out to provide a news magazine that contained its share of more probing features on issues of importance in the local communities. We were one of the first to look at the issue of the Oakland County Child Killer; how local schools handled the LGBT teen issue; homelessness in the county; aging in Oakland; municipal ethics guidelines, or the lack of them; drug use in the communities; and the future of municipal golf courses, to name a few topics we have covered. We have also continued with our ongoing coverage of municipal and school governance issues because our editorial mission includes the traditional role of a print product: to serve as a watchdog on behalf of local citizens, both in our news stories and on our editorial page (Endnote) at the end of each edition. As promised, we have thrown into the mix each month topics of a lighter nature, from a historical review of the days of CREEM magazine when it was anchored in Birmingham; local happy hours; where local chefs go to eat in their off hours; to profiles of local coffee houses and breakfast establishments. We have also found great response in the past year to our Faces feature profiling local residents with notable accomplishments. Our print product has not been our only offering in terms of providing information. We think we have developed a strong website (downtownpublications.com) which is updated at least twice weekly and sometimes more often when there is breaking news. In terms of traffic to our site, we average 20,000 visitors each month, a good indication that our online effort has hit a responsive chord. We also stepped up our presence in the past year with the creation of a Facebook page (facebook.com/downtownpublications) where we post story alerts and other information, and we joined Twitter (twitter.com/downtownpubs) to broaden our communication with followers. All of our efforts, of course, must pass two important litmus tests: reader and advertiser feedback. Most fulfilling in our first 12 issues has been the reader response through phone calls, e-mails, chance meetings on the street and letters for our Incoming section each month. We had hoped to create a dialogue when we put out the first issue of Downtown and we take pleasure in the fact that so many readers have responded each month, both in support or to question our content and position on issues. It is through dialogue with our readers that we are able to stay on top of local issues and, in figurative terms, take the pulse of the community. Equally reassuring has been the fact that the business community responded so strongly to our print product, which tells us that we are on the right path for the future. We take pride in the fact that Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield carries each month the largest number of local accounts and accounts from outside the area that want to target these important local communities. At the same time, we are humbled by the outpouring of support because the backing of key local business leaders has allowed us to publish Downtown each month. So we look forward to the future and continuing improvement in our monthly print and online news products in our efforts to be the essential information source for the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. As always, I welcome your feedback. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

ENGAGEMENT RINGS & WEDDING BANDS

248.644.1651 120 W. MAPLE DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM HOURS: MON - SAT 10 - 5:30 THURS 10 - 8 ASTREINS.COM

INCOMING Art of journalism Great article on local emergency management (Downtown/September 2011). You really dug deep to indicate the level of effort and coordination involved at the local level to provide a rational response to realistic emergency scenarios. It is refreshing to see that the art of journalism still thrives on the local scene. Dan Devine, Bloomfield Township Treasurer

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.

Open and transparent How wonderful that Bloomfield Township is moving towards more open and transparent government. The fact that the township board of trustees has also recently approved the live streaming and cable broadcasting of their board of trustee meetings (as soon as the township hall room is fitted with new cameras and the remote control room is wired properly) is historic. The township has been providing local government telecasts for other communities for the past 11 years. Ms. Stefanes' resignation from two committees (as she takes the open trustee spot) will give more township residents the opportunity to participate in local government. Again, the fact that the township is accepting applications for those positions is refreshing. These positions are "appointed" by the supervisor (planning) and by the entire board of trustees for zoning board of appeals. I believe township laws need to be changed to permit an open and fair election to fill vacant elected positions. All seven township elected positions, including the just "appointed" position of Ms. Khederian,

While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.

expire in November 2012. Hopefully, there will be choices in 2012 for all positions. The deadline to put your name on the August 2012 primary ballot is in early May 2012. Start making plans now. Marcia Robovitsky, Bloomfield Township

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DOWNTOWN

10.11

THE PERROTTA REAL ESTATE TEAM Two generations, 37 years combined experience and one goal: Educated Buyers & Sellers = Results! Dorothy Perrotta

Michael Perrotta

Associate Broker

Realtor

248.217.7222

248.672.0494

dperrotta@hallandhunter.com

mperrotta@hallandhunter.com

Rich

perrottarealestate.com

City of Bloomfield Hills $1,100,000

Bloomfield Hills $839,900

NEW LISTING. This mini estate located on a private road provides a quiet, secluded oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Superbly updated home on magnificent grounds plus a 4 car garage.

NEW LISTING. Elegant Tudor featuring an open floor plan and extensive use of light-filled windows. The finished walk out lower level adds to the home’s space and its location backing to a nature center provides natural beauty.

SOLD Top of the Lake

Bloomfield Hills SOLD

Birmingham $399,999

Almost two miles of white sandy beach south facing Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. 300 contiguous acres of natural beauty. A rare opportunity! Price upon request

Wonderful family home on over 1 acre. In-law suite with full bath plus 5 additional bedrooms. Finished high-ceiling lower level. 4 car garage. Birmingham schools.

NEW LISTING. Walk to downtown from this model-quality home. Open floor plan with cherry floors, gourmet kitchen and luxury master suite. Finished lower level plus heated bonus room & 2nd floor laundry.

SOLD

Bloomfield Hills SOLD

Burt Lake $1,300,000

Huntington Woods SOLD

Perfect family and entertaining home. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths on a private, wooded setting. Finished walk out plus pool with changing rooms. 4 season room overlooks backyard, pool and pond.

Two adjoining lakefront lots on all sports Burt Lake, part of Michigan’s inland waterway. Wooded lots with 340 ft. & 578 ft. of sandy bottom lake frontage. On a paved road with natural gas & electricity at property line.

Perfect updated colonial with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Outstanding floor plan, large yard with pristine landscaping plus bluestone screened porch and patio. Extras include wine cellar and steam shower.

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS...PERFORMANCE DRIVEN RESULTS

Nanci J. Rands

Meredith Colburn

Associate Broker

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

Franklin $4,250,000

Bloomfield $3,200,000

Bloomfield $4,200,000

Luxurious 10,000 sq. ft.English Tudor replica on 2.48 acres. Gated drive opens to views of the slate roofed home with pond, fountain & arched walkways. Wine Cellar & Tasting Room. Two heated garages with capacity for 8 cars.

This private hilltop historic property overlooking Wing Lake was elegantly restored & expanded in 2001. Over 6,000 sq. ft. with an additional 4,000 sq. ft. in a beautifully finished Lower Level. Grand entry foyer. 3 car garage.

Beyond a tree-lined gated drive lies PARK HAVEN, an impeccably maintained 1929 manor of nearly 10,000 sq. ft. on 7 lush acres. This property is adaptable for both formal & informal living. Superb 2006 additions & updates.

Bloomfield $1,795,000

Bloomfield $1,699,000

Bloomfield $3,750,000

2002 built custom home overlooking Wing Lake. 1st & 2nd floor Master Suites. Fabulous professional Kitchen & Family Room combination. Lower Level has Theatre, Rec & Fitness rooms, Bath & 6th Bedroom option.

Magnificent limestone and cedar home on superbly landscaped 1.5 acres. 170’ of frontage on Chalmers Lake. Garden and lake views from every room. Open island Kitchen/Family Room. First Floor Master. Screened porch and large deck. .

On the North shore of Wing Lake, this outstanding 2000 built New England-style stone and cedar home is beyond compare. Over 10,000 sq. ft. Incredible walk-out Lower Level. 6 bedrooms including private apartment.

Bloomfield $995,000

Birmingham $1,495,000

Bloomfield $795,000

Beautiful colonial on nearly 2 acres in Chelmsleigh. Majestic hilltop setting. Spacious entertaining areas. Family Room with fieldstone fireplace and 12’ pine ceiling. 5 bedrooms. First floor Master with Sitting Room. Deck, Terrace and Pool.

Unbelievable price for the model residence at Woodland Villa, an in-town Birmingham residential enclave. Sophistication & elegance throughout 3 levels. 3-4 BR. 5.1 Baths. Elevator. 3 car garage.

Beautifully maintained & updated soft contemporary, 4 bedroom ranch. Over 4,000 sq. ft. Newer Kitchen. Luxurious Master Bath. Indoor pool converts to banquet sized room for entertaining. Center, open-air courtyard.

www.RandsColburn.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY AND SELL • Interest rates are decreasing • Demand for homes is increasing • Prices in many markets are stabilizing

Lynn Baker

Deby Gannes

248.379.3000

248.379.3003

lbaker@hallandhunter.com

dgannes@hallandhunter.com

Associate Broker

Rich

Realtor

Your Hometown Realtors selling Cottages to Castles for a combined five decades.

Oakland Township $749,000

Bloomfield Hills $729,900

Oakland Township $749,900

Enter the grand foyer with one of a kind chandelier and sweeping staircase. Brand new, drop dead gorgeous custom library with cathedral ceiling. 4,300 sq.ft. with 1st floor master suite, 3 bedrooms up and 3-1/2 baths. Private 1/2 acre lot with extensive professional landscaping. Finished walkout (1,700 sq. ft.) light and bright with built-ins, exercise room, family room. Paver patio, electric fence and 3 car garage. GOO211088645

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 and 4-1/2 baths has 1st floor master suite with fabulous closet and bath. Finished walk out and 3 car garage. WIC211092067

Cul de sac location on private treed .62 acre lot. Popular Rose Terrace Model with grand 2 story foyer, sweeping staircase and 1st floor master suite with 2 walk in closets. Award winning kitchen with abundance of cabinets, hardwood floors and granite counters. Paneled library with fireplace, great room with wall of windows and fireplace. Finished walk out with family room, fireplace, bath and storage. New roof. 3 car garage. VIN211079994

Birmingham $774,900

Oakland Township $589,900

Bloomfield Hills $324,900

Custom built home in desirable Birmingham neighborhood. Built in 1992 with all the custom features and architectural details you could imagine. 4,680 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs. Unbelievable master suite with 14’ x 13’ lounging area, enormous closet plus jack and jill and private suite up. Finished lower level with kitchen, bath, 2nd family room, exercise room and game room. Oversized Trex deck with spacious yard and perennial gardens. Short Sale. WES211076165

Fresh, bright neutral décor. 4,686 sq. ft. colonial with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 lavs. Multiple fireplaces, marble foyer, hardwood floors, extensive crown molding, judges paneled library, great room with volume ceilings and custom window treatments. Finished daylight basement with 2nd family room, game area, lav and storage. Large .68 acre private lot with invisible fence in front and rear. 3 car garage. BAY211085153

Elegant condo backing to Wabeek Golf Club. Enter through custom oak doors to view the serene golf course vistas. 2,310 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. 1st floor master suite, library with cathedral ceiling and bay window, living room has fireplace and wet bar. Oversize kitchen and breakfast room. Finished walk out with walls of windows, family room and plenty of storage. PIN211085433

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

YOUR REALTOR WITH “CONCIERGE SERVICE”

Cheryl Riback Associate Broker, ABR, SRES

248.808.3112 criback@hallandhunter.com Rich

Bloomfield Village $2,950,000 “Red Oaks” – The estate home of the Indian Mound Area. Live in elegance from the era of the Auto Barons. This residence has been meticulously updated to preserve its original architectural detail with the amenities and luxury you would expect in your custom built home. 248.808.3112

Lake Angelus $2,999,000 Private tree-lined drive leads to magnificent 10,000+ sq. ft. estate home (includes finished walk-out lower level) on Lake Angelus. Two story entry, luxurious master suite, chef’s kitchen, theater room, pools and spa. 248.808.3112

Bloomfield Village $1,550,000 Completely rebuilt in 2007-08, this Bloomfield Village home features a large gourmet kitchen, morning room overlooking professionally landscaped gardens, 2nd floor laundry and finished lower level with playroom and entertainment area. 248.808.3112

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

THE INTEGRITY OF HALL & HUNTER...THE POWER OF CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Ginny Fisher

Holly Geyer

Realtor

248.593.0518

248.506.7345

GinnyFisherHomes.com

HollyGeyer.com Birmingham $1,399,000 Walk to town from this exceptional home. High quality finishes and beautiful architectural details throughout. Luxurious master with fireplace, huge closets & dressing area. All bedrooms are suites. Fabulous island kitchen with granite & premium appliances opens to spacious family room with fireplace. Wonderful home for entertaining.

Oakland Township $699,000 Move-in perfect Hills of Oakland home. Two story entry with marble floors, gourmet kitchen and breakfast area with custom cabinets featured in InStyle Magazine. The sun room and family room have views of the pool and private garden. Elegant living room with floor-to-ceiling bay window. Master retreat features a tray ceiling and Euro bath plus this home also has a second master guest suite. Fabulous entertaining space in completely finished walkout lower level.

Birmingham sale pending

SALE PENDING

Impeccably designed in the style of a London townhome, this beautiful residence offers a gracious and easy lifestyle for the discriminating buyer. Custom built with elevator access to all three floors, it features extensive moldings, two fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling palladian windows, a serene master suite with sitting room, private terrace and much more.

Birmingham

Bloomfield

SOLD

City of Bloomfield Hills Vacant Land $875,000 One of a kind 2 acre estate parcel in the City of Bloomfield Hills. Truly one of the most beautiful building sites in the City. A river runs through this breathtaking private property which features two stone bridges, 4 waterfalls, a pond and an artesian wishing well. Gorgeous serene setting perfectly located across from Cranbrook/Kingswood school.

Sold in Just Over Two Weeks!

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

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 September 15, 2011. Placement of codes is approximate.

'(752, 7 %/220), (/' +, //6 ::: ', 775, &+)856 &20 :22':$5' $9(

FACES

Chris Hansen hris Hansen, best known for his reporting work on the Dateline NBC series “To Catch a Predator,” exudes charisma on the small screen, but at one time, he claims he was just an awkward boy from Bloomfield Township. “I was a little shy, a little chubby,” Hansen said. “Throughout elementary and junior high school, I wasn’t the best student in the neighborhood. Then I went to Brother Rice High School and right around sophomore year, I made a group of friends.” Hansen quickly overcame his meek demeanor and woke up academically and socially. “There were tons of kids, touch football games, baseball games and broken windows,” he said. Growing up in Bloomfield Township, Hansen was captivated by the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa from a Bloomfield Township restaurant. It was the coverage of that event which drew him into a career in journalism. “I was about 14 when Hoffa disappeared,” he said. “I was fascinated by it.” After high school, Hansen went on to study at Michigan State University and landed a broadcasting job at WILX-TV, a Lansing NBC affiliate. “I made $4.80 an hour,” Hansen said. “I covered the state capitol. It was a great experience.” While Hansen said he could have wallpapered his office with rejection letters, his magnetism and commanding style eventually landed him positions with both WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and WDIV-TV (Channel 4) in Detroit. “It was kind of a dream of mine to work at Channel 7 Action News and work with Bill Bonds. It doesn’t get any better than that.” Bonds, a

family friend, served as a mentor to Hansen. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for him.” Hansen earned a reputation for himself in the field and eventually his talent was sought by NBC for Dateline. “It was thrilling,” he said. “There were a lot of people wondering why I’d leave Detroit. I figured—what a great adventure. I never looked back.” While working at NBC, Hansen pitched the idea for the Dateline series “To Catch a Predator.” The premise involved a sting operation luring alleged would-be sex offenders to a home where they would be greeted and confronted by Hansen. The show was an instant success. Currently, he is working on “The Hansen Files,” a newer series for Dateline. The show will air Sundays on NBC beginning in January 2012. “The Hansen Files” uses hidden cameras to expose wrongdoings through investigative reporting. Hansen has appeared on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Oprah Show,” but what most impressed his two sons was being immortalized on Comedy Central’s “South Park.” “When they had a South Park with a Chris Hansen character, well, then you know you’ve made it.” Today, Hansen lives in Connecticut with his family but still finds time to connect with his friends from Brother Rice. He is an eight-time Emmy Award winning journalist and attributes his success to a few core values. “It’s hard work, timing, willingness to put in the hours and a little bit of luck.” Story: Katey Meisner

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CONCUSSIONS THE IMPACT ON STUDENT ATHLETES

BY LISA BRODY

loomfield Hills resident Al Ray knew something was wrong as soon as his son Michael, 17, now a senior and a Cranbrook Kingswood High School football player, walked in the door after a game last fall. Ray had been at the game when Michael had gone to tackle a receiver on the other team, and had hit him low, with his head going into the other player's knee, but had not realized there was a problem. Neither Michael, nor his coaches, had realized there was a problem at the time, either.

“As soon as Michael came in I knew something was wrong,” Ray said. “He was pale, his eyes were glazed, and he hadn't showered (after the game).” is son acknowledged that he did not feel well. “It wasn't until after the game that I realized that something did not feel right,” Michael recalled. “My head hurt and something did not feel right. I didn't go to my coaches right away because they had left already. I was in a cloud. I had sat with all my pads on while all my teammates had gotten undressed, and it was just me and one of my friends remaining in the locker room. He realized that I didn't look right—my eyes where glassy and my head hurt, and he knew it wasn't safe for me to drive home, so he gave me a ride home.” His father said he called the football coach, Steve Graf, right away, who was very concerned and wanted him to immediately take Michael to the hospital. Since Michael's mother is a physician, they decided to watch him over the weekend, putting ice on his neck. “The Cranbrook trainer called and set up an appointment for us on Monday at the Concussion Center at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, and it was determined that he had a mild concussion. He was out from football about two weeks,” Ray said. He slowly came back to practice the third week, and played again that following weekend. “For about four or five days, I had a constant headache, and I couldn't focus too well,” Michael said. “When I sat down to accomplish a task, I'd sit there in a daze, and after a few minutes, I'd realize I had been sitting there and was not accomplishing anything.” He rested, and took a day off of school, which the strong student said was definitely a good idea. “When I got back, I couldn't pay attention to the teachers and learn as much as I would have liked. It lasted about two to three days, and slowly came back. I still had a minor headache, but nothing too severe.” Luckily for Michael, he has not had any lasting effects from his concussion. When Michael had the initial symptoms of his concussion, Cranbrook's trainer, Julie Midland, did a quick assessment of his skills and had a baseline test to compare to. “We do baseline testing for all of our athletics,” said Cranbrook Athletic Director Steve Graf. “The students come in at the beginning of their (athletic) season. It's computer software that we use. There are a number of questions they answer. They're all kept confidential in the files of the athletic trainer. Then, any time there is an injury, the trainers have the athlete go through the process.” Many local schools have adopted the testing process, including Detroit County Day School and Academy of the Sacred Heart. “We just launched Impact ® baseline testing this year,” said Christina Endrud, school nurse at Academy of the Sacred Heart. “We wanted to have a good way to determine when an athlete could return to a game with a baseline score.” Because Academy of the Sacred Heart is a relatively small school, Endrud said they are

screening all of their middle school and high school students, regardless of the sport, “even if they play a sport outside of the school. We have a smaller population and felt we could screen all of our students.” While they have not had an incident yet with a student athlete, already the testing proved valuable when a student who is an equestrienne outside of school fell off a horse. “We were able to refer her to Dr. Podell (at Henry Ford Hospital).” Dr. Kenneth Podell is a neuropsychologist at Henry Ford Hospital who specializes in concussions, and works with many area schools and athletes in assisting them with recovering from concussions and in determining when they can return to play. It's important to understand what a concussion is. It is actually the most common form of traumatic brain injury, and it can be caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. It is also referred to as a mild brain injury or a mild traumatic brain injury. “A concussion is any type of trauma to the head or body that causes a disruption to brain function. The brain might bounce back and forth. On the cellular/chemical level, there's a chemical imbalance that sets off a whole series of events while it tries to get back in balance,” Podell explained. oncussions can be caused by a sports injury, a playground fall, a fight, a car or motorcycle injury, a fall in your house or outside, and while there may be cuts or bruises, there may not be any visible signs of a brain injury. Despite common misperceptions, most people do not lose consciousness when they have a concussion. “Ninety percent of all concussions do not have a loss of consciousness,” said Dr. Podell. “Some may have a brief loss of consciousness, but that does not mean it's a more severe concussion, or that there will be a longer recovery.” Getting a concussion is not uncommon, and can often be misdiagnosed and overlooked. “When you see some of the injuries of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, these are actually severe concussions from improvised explosive devices,” said former Southfield physician Dr. Claude Oster, now medical director of Rehabilitation Institute of St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL. Whether mild or severe, symptoms of concussions include headaches, sensitivity to light and sounds, dizziness, irritability, agitation, nervousness, and tearfulness; up to a half will have balance problems; a smaller percentage will experience nausea and vomiting. With student athletes, “We try to educate coaches and trainers on what happens with athletes, so they can remove the athlete from competition, no questions asked,” said Podell. He advises that there is now a sideline assessment test, called SCAT 2, for Sideline Concussion Assessment Test, which is used in major professional sports, which is proving very useful for student athletics as well. “It helps us in sideline assessments with balance,

disorientation, and memory. It can help us diagnose a concussion. It's a serial assessment. It gets done every 15 minutes for the first hour after the hit, to see if there is any worsening of symptoms. If there are, you take the athlete to the ER right away. If not, you continue to do the assessment again at 90 minutes, and then again before the athlete is sent home. That way, you're monitoring them from the sidelines. “It's very important to do if there is any sign of concussion. You remove them from competition, and you don't return them to play, even if there is no loss of consciousness and they say they feel fine. There is now scientific evidence that returning them to play can worsen their symptoms and make for a much more severe concussion,” Podell said. Oster concurred. “The biggest problem is sending students back to play with a possible concussion because they already have a brain injury, and if they get another blow, it will be far more serious. We know that repeated impact can lead to encethalopathy, which is from repeated concussions. With that you see Parkinsonism, like with Mohammed Ali, with speech and memory problems, slowed memory, tremors, and inappropriate behavior. It's very common now, especially in retired NFL and NHL players.” Podell said that when student athletes are sent home, instructions are given to parents to monitor them for up to 12 hours for nausea, vomiting, a stiff neck, disorientation, and confusion. He, and other experts, point out that it's no longer protocol to wake up a concussion sufferer in the middle of the night. “He's just going to be groggy anyway, and that's not going to help,” said Podell. Podell said he does see a lot of parents taking their child to the emergency room when they are suspected of having a concussion, when only less than 5 percent of concussion sufferers need to go to the ER after having a concussion. “So statistically, the need is really not there,” he said. “It's rare to have a neurological event following a concussion. A stroke can happen, but something underlying would need to be there. But a brain bleed, like a stroke, where the space between the brain and the skull, by taking a direct hit, can bruise or tear a blood vessel, and we call it a subdural bleed, which is not a typical stroke. If an athlete is hit hard enough, it can cause the brain itself to bleed, but that is very rare.” hat can happen is something called post-concussive syndrome. It is a lingering concussion where the symptoms last for more than 30 days. It can occur after only one concussion, but is more likely to happen after two. It's the condition professional hockey player Sydney Crosby has been suffering from and why he has not been playing. “It's the typical thing we talk to parents about, and what we're most concerned about, these prolonged concussive symptoms,” said Podell. In post-concussive syndrome, symptoms may not resolve for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion, and even occasionally are permanent. Symptoms are the classic concussion symptoms, including headaches,

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dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, memory and attention problems, sleep problems, and irritability. Unfortunately, there is not yet any scientifically established treatment, and rest, the classic cure-all, seems to have limited effectiveness. Symptoms usually go away on their own, on their own timetable. The medical community has long debated whether the syndrome is due to physical structural damage in the brain, or other factors, such as psychological issues, or a combination of both. n extreme rarity is something called second impact syndrome, which, according to Podell, has only been documented in students under 21, “because of their immature brains. Brains are not fully developed until the early 20s, especially in males more than females, and it's related to their brains being not fully developed.” The condition has also been seen in boxers. In second impact syndrome, the brain swells dangerously after a minor blow. The condition may develop in someone who has received a second blow just days or weeks after their initial concussion, before the symptoms have gone away. It can be fatal because it is believed the swelling occurs because the brains vessels lose the ability to regulate their diameter, causing a loss of control over the brain's blood flow. As the brain swells, intracranial pressure rapidly rises, leading to the possibility of the brain suddenly herniating. If that happens, the brain stem can fail within five minutes. “I have to emphasize it's rarity, and that it's a worse-case scenario, but that is why student

athletes should not come back in to their game,” said Podell. Cranbrook's Graf said that he and other coaches and trainers have learned how important it is to heed this advice. “It used to be that our 'bell was rung.' We'd shake it off and go back into the game. But not anymore. We know so much more now. The trainers come to our coaches' meetings, and they tell us so much about concussions. For one thing, you can't tell by looking at a student. For some students it's a couple of days, and others bounce right back. I know I'm seeing more than I ever have seen in the past because we know what we're looking for now.” Both the National Federation of High School Associations and the Michigan High School Athletics Association (MHSAA), which governs student athletics for all participating high schools in Michigan, have mandated protocol which must be followed in the event of a concussion. According to the National Federation of High School Associations, it is estimated that over 140,000 high school athletes across the United States suffer from a concussion each year. While they occur most often in football, girls lacrosse, girl's soccer, boy's lacrosse, wresting, and basketball, both boys' and girl's, follow closely behind. Their mantra is, “When in doubt, sit them out!” The MHSAA is more pro-active. For the 2011-2012 school year, the following rule is not only mandatory throughout Michigan, but has been adopted by all National Federation sports rule books:

“Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.” The rule removes any coach, trainer or official at the game from having a role in determining the health of the player, and places the health of the player first and foremost over the game or tournament. Specifically, officials cannot have any role in determining a concussion, other than the obvious one where a player is either unconscious or apparently unconscious. Officials can merely point out to a coach that a player is apparently injured and advise that the player should be examined by a health care provider for an exact determination of the extent of injury. According to the MHSAA protocol, if it is confirmed by the school's designated health care professional that the student did not sustain a concussion, the head coach may so advise the officials during an appropriate play stoppage, and the athlete can re-enter the game. If there is a suspicion of a concussion, the athlete may not be returned to competition that day. The protocol specifies that only an MD or DO may clear the individual to return to competition, and it must be in writing. If the physician is present, and he or she determines that the athlete should not continue playing,

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that decision cannot be overruled. Following the game, an officials report must be filed with the removed player's school with the MHSAA. “If the student is not symptomatic, they still cannot return to the game or tournament for 24 hours, and then only with a doctor's note,” said Graf. “It's designed to protect everybody. If you do put someone back in, once the trainer has determined the athlete is symptomatic, whether it's the student or the coach or the parents who say it's OK to go back in, the game is automatically forfeited. It's absolutely the right thing to do.” Even more than that, MHSAA places the participating athletic program on probation through that sports season of the following school year, pointing out how serious a transgression it is to play a student with a possible concussion. Many states view the importance of protecting student athletes that they have enacted concussion laws. Currently, 24 states have concussion laws which regulate how head injuries are handled at the time of injury and/or after care, including return to play mandates. Some of the laws address just school athletics; other states' legislation address both school and non-school youth sports. “The nationwide campaign has stalled in Michigan, in part because of the state's constitutional ban on unfunded mandates, and in part because we've got schools covered and don't need a law,” said Jack Roberts, executive director of MHSAA. “If a school returns a

concussed athlete to play without an MD or DO's written authorization, that school has used an ineligible athlete, and the result of the contest is a forfeit. We've got a rule, and it's got teeth. “It's in less well-regulated non-school programs where deficiencies may persist in return to play policies,” said Roberts. “And it's in education—including players, parents and coaches—where everybody, including schools, could do more.” egislation has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives, House Bill 4396, which would require public schools to develop and disseminate information on head injuries to coaches, athletes and parents, and to withhold from competition any student who's had a head injury until there's written clearance from a health care provider. On it's face, it seems very similar to the MHSAA protocol but Roberts doesn't care for it. “The bill doesn't define its terms well, and doesn't require anything of non-public schools or non-school sports groups,” he said. “In its present form, we are opposing the bill. On this matter, schools (meaning MHSAA) are taking care of their own business.” Yet Podell is pleased because he has been working on concussions since 1995, and he is seeing more local schools coming on board for baseline tests, as well as studies that legitimize his work with concussive students. “I've seen the tables turn. Players are now seeing concussions as a legitimate injury, and

coaches are addressing it; leagues have baseline testing, and there is now mandatory testing and return to play requirements. Concussions are being legitimized and being seen as something to be taken care of,” he said. As for those students who receive concussions, what is the best advice to recover quickly? Rest is the number one prescription, especially while symptoms are strong. Keep activities to a minimum, don't drink alcohol, and avoid too much stimuli from television, texting, video games, loud noises and bright lights. “The trainers advised me to not talk on the phone, watch TV, or play video games. I rested, got a lot of sleep, took a day off of school, and I believed it was a good idea,” said 17-year-old Michael Ray, who has since recovered from his concussion a year ago. Ray returned to playing football for Cranbrook, where he is playing again this season. “I was not scared about playing again,” he said. “Injuries happen, and I recognize that part of playing football is you're going to get hurt, and I knew that SCAN FOR AUDIO signing up for it. This wasn't a surprise. It definitely wasn't an enjoyable experience, but it wasn't a deterrent. It didn't scare me Dr. Kenneth Podell enough to stop me from playing the game. I'd be concerned if I had another one. But it's not something I'm overly cautious Michael Ray about.”

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Ryan Connolly ust three years ago, Ryan Connolly toted a backpack filled with cleverly-decorated brims along California’s Venice Beach boardwalk, selling his fitted hats to passersby. Today, Connolly is the dynamic owner of Grassroots, a thriving apparel company which is expected to make a million dollars this year. Connolly’s career started with a comfortable position at a real estate firm. He had just sold an $11 million building and was on the path to prosperity, but he was not content with the direction of his career. “I would come into the office at 8 or 9 a.m. and go to UCLA for night school,” he said. “I wouldn’t get back to my apartment until around 1 a.m. On the weekends, I’d write my escape plan in my journal.” Connolly gathered the gumption to leave his lucrative position and used commission money to start Grassroots. “I left to follow my dreams.” Intrigued by the California cannabis culture, Connolly incorporated a cannabis leaf on his Grassroots caps and began traveling across the U.S. “I started selling my hats at music festivals,” he said. “I didn’t actually have enough money to pay for some of the booths, so I’d pay for a ticket to go in and sell hats out of my backpack. I was really successful with this.” Connolly began living rent-free out of his Toyota and clocking 10,000 miles each month. “I’ll pull over on the side of the road and sleep in the car,” he said. “I try to save as much money as possible. Every penny I spend in rent is money I could be spending on my company.” Connolly’s perseverance and brazen sales method paid off when, at a concert, he asked a security guard to bring one his hats to Method Man. The rapper was later seen wearing Connolly’s creation on “Last Call with Carson Daly.” Since then, Grassroots apparel has been spotted on HBO’s hit show “Entourage” and the History Channel’s “Pawn Stars.” Connolly has collaborated with several music artists to create new hat designs and is selling a blank hat that will benefit his alma mater, Seaholm High School. “People can paint on the hat and put on their own design,” he said. A portion of proceeds from that hat, available on grassrootscalifornia.com, will benefit Seaholm’s art department. Although his brand is now wildly successful, Connolly remains grounded and passionate about giving back. Sales from his hats benefit a variety of causes from cancer research to children affected by the blood diamond trade in Sierra Leone. With a flexible work schedule, Connolly still travels home to Michigan, where some of his family resides and he was once the captain of the Seaholm soccer team. “I wasn’t the greatest student, but that didn’t mean that I couldn’t follow my dreams,” he said. “Being captain of the soccer team taught me that. Just because you’re not great in one area doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in life. My grandpa always told me to do what you love.”

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Many working parents choose outof-home child care to suit their family's needs; but lots of others, especially in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, turn to in-home child care providers. They are hiring trained nannies and au pairs, young women and occasionally men from another country who come her for a year to provide child care in exchange for a cultural experience. Both nannies and au pairs have their backgrounds carefully checked, which may not happen with a neighborhood babysitter, and they each only work for you, unlike babysitters, who are for hire by the job. ccording to nannyjobs.com, a professional nanny job site which lists nannies and nanny jobs around the country, a nanny is a child care specialist whose workplace is in a family's private home. The nanny's job is to provide one-on-one attention and the best possible care for the family's children. The work may be full-time or part-time, and the nanny may or may not live in the house with the family. “The nanny's role is to provide support to the family by serving as a loving, nurturing and trustworthy companion to the children,” they note. “A nanny tends to have special child care skills and a deep love and understanding of children. A nanny offers the family convenient, high quality care to meet each child's physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs.” In a perfect world, every nanny would be able to offer all of those skills with perfect ability, attuned to each child's needs and intellectual demand as Mary Poppins does, simply by reaching into her carpetbag for a book or a remedy to an ill. In reality, a qualified nanny should be well-educated and trained in order to meet the requirements of the family who hires her. Tara Lindsay, 38, currently a nanny with a family in the Birmingham school district, notes, “This is my career. This has been a deliberate choice of a career on my part.” Educated at Central Michigan University, where she took classes in early education, she recalls that her first child care job was at a mere 10 years old, “when I took care of five boys under five every day after school.” She emphasizes that they all survived. While that may have been young, she said her parents made sure that she had taken a babysitter course, she had first aid certification and

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CPR training, and was already a junior lifeguard, “so they felt I was well prepared. I was so determined to take it seriously that I had weekly themes for the boys.” She said her father continuously educated her by showing her newspaper stories about child issues whenever they came up, “so, without him preaching, I knew not to leave a child in a bath to answer the phone, and things like that. He made me very, very safety conscious from a very early age, and I am forever grateful.” Lindsay also interned summers during high school and college with Bloomfield Hills Schools’ early intervention program, which deals with special education needs for children three years and younger, where she learned a tremendous amount. “While some families insist on a bachelor's degree for a nanny, they won't care what it's in. If you haven't taken care of a child before, vs. someone with 20 years of experience, which one is more qualified to care for your child?” she asked. “I'm a firm believer that expertise comes from experience. You can have 18 degrees, but unless you do it hands on, you really don't know how to care for a child.” Sheilagh Roth, founder and president of English Nanny & Governess School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, started the school 27 years ago based on the English method of training nannies, “with an emphasis on culture, the arts, music, literature, and nutrition, and we've stayed pretty much to that curriculum,” she said. More recently, they have added courses focused on special needs children and autism. The school is one of just a few in the country which provides certified training for nannies in the country, and is a charter member of the International Nanny Association and approved by the American Council of Nanny Schools. An internet search revealed only a handful of qualified schools nationwide which train and place nannies; none are in Michigan. Other highly-rated programs are Northwest Nannies, Inc; The Alexandria School; and Nanny's & Granny's. The English Nanny & Governess School’s three-month long program has a long history of successfully placing nannies in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, although Roth would not reveal the families who have used her placement services. “I started the school during a 10.11

period in the 1980s when women were just entering professions en masse, and women wanted someone qualified to take care of their children,” Roth said. “Before then, when working women had children, they would stay home. Now women didn't want to stay home with their children, but wanted qualified care. I saw nothing available in this country to provide qualified nannies, and coming from England, I saw a need to fill.” The school's mission is to provide graduates with the expertise to assist their charges in developing their physical, emotional, intellectual, cognitive and cultural growth in a safe and healthy environment, and to encourage, through their academic program, the knowledgeable, nurturing and loving nannies and governesses who are dedicating their careers to challenging children to achieve greatness. The emphasis is that these are professionals, and that being a nanny is a career, not a dalliance. The families choosing a nanny, vs. a housekeeper watching the children or a babysitter are seeking higher levels of education, enrichment and development, Roth emphasizes. “These children are the future of our country. It bothers me that some think that just putting a warm body and a TV in front of a child is enough,” she said. “You have to work right from the beginning to create the constant excitement of learning through innovative ways of teaching. My concern is seeing India and China moving way ahead of us in the development of the child.” Graduates of the school become Certified Professional Nannies or Certified Professional Governesses. Incoming nanny students must have a high school degree or GED; incoming governesses, which train them with an expertise to provide a more rigorous educational component, must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Students come from all over the United States, and are subsequently placed all over the U.S. They range in age from 18 to into their 60s, with a variety of backgrounds, talents and interests. Training is via a three-month residential program with an emphasis on child growth, behavior and development; cultural enrichment; literature, art, music and creative play; child care, health, nutrition and etiquette; the professionalism of being a nanny; personal safety and security; and practicum work dealing with infants and toddlers. downtownpublications.com

“We teach our students about different temperaments of children, and that a professional understands the individual temperaments of a child, and how to interact with them, so you can work in tandem with the parents to raise the child. We help our students understand that they are working in an environment where each individual will challenge them, and help them grow, and move them to a new level,” Roth said. “Child care is keeping a cohesive group, and each child will develop at their own pace, and it's your job to encourage that. You're working as a team with the family.” anny schools further help out parents by doing psychological/sociological reviews of their student candidates, and English Nanny & Governess School requires five letters of recommendation prior to admittance. They do an FBI national clearance and a state criminal background check, as well as local police clearance checks and a credit report check for trustworthiness. All candidates have their driving records thoroughly examined, as driving children is usually a major part of a nanny's job. Each student must have a current physical and TB test, and a notarized non-child abuse declaration. They all must have a current U.S. Passport because travel is part of the job for many nannies. Once a nanny graduates, it's time for them to find a job. English Nanny & Governess School places their graduates all over the country, and the world, as well. The website has a job listing site with listings from San Antonio, TX to New York City to Wilson, WY to Turkey, and everywhere in between, including, depending on the week, locally. Roth noted that many of her students are currently coming from Michigan. The placement fee for a family is 15 percent of the annual salary, and Roth said that is what subsidizes the student's tuition. A minimum salary for a live-in nanny is $500 a week, plus benefits. “A non-resident nanny salary would be higher because there would not be the living expenses,” she said. Tara Lindsay said live-out nannies in this area tend to earn $600 to $900 a week. “Health benefits, tax withholdings and worker's compensations are required,” Roth said. “For 27 years I have insisted that this is a legitimate employment situation, and it requires the appropriate benefits.” Lindsay emphatically agrees.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nannies, since 1974, are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which specifies that nannies are nonexempt employees, must be paid for every hour they work, including minimum wage and overtime. Employers are responsible for paying withholding taxes, even though a lot of people don't. And there is no statute of limitations to that law. I tell other nannies that if you are paid under the table, and you lose your job to the economy, then you can't file for unemployment. Or if you fall, which happens all of the time, then you can't get worker's compensation. And if you want to go get a car, you have no show-able income.â&#x20AC;? Another option for in-home child care is an au pair, which literally means on par or equal, or being part of the family. Au pairs are young women and men, ages 18 to 26, who come from another country legally on a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa for one year and live in your home as a family member, which can allow your children to play and learn at home. Part cultural exchange program, part child care, you welcome this person from another country into your home, provide them with their own room and usually a car, in exchange for five-and-a-half days a week (45 hours) of child care a week, in any way that works for you, up to 10 hours a day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always say that when host families look at Au Pair in America (one of the companies offering au pairs), they see au pairs; when the au pairs see the name Au Pair in America, they see America,â&#x20AC;? said Linn Kereji, Au Pair in America counselor for Birmingham, Bloomfield, Beverly Hills, Southfield, Berkley, and Huntington Woods. Kereji has been a local counselor for 18 years, and worked with hundreds of host families and au pairs, including many of her own. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If people think these young women are just coming to watch their precious charges, they're under the wrong impression. They're coming to see America, and all that has to offer. That doesn't mean they can't get exceptional child care, but, if they wanted only to watch children, they would stay in their home country and do it.â&#x20AC;? Au Pair in America notes that au pairs are international visitors who travel to the US to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of American life while living with an American family and caring for their young children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They're very social. They act like 18 to 25 year olds do, and families have to realize that,â&#x20AC;? Kereji points out. However, over the years, families and au pairs make lasting relationships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

have families where the children have gone over and been in the girls' weddings,â&#x20AC;? Kereji said. Daniella Boher of Argentina loves being an au pair here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I'm so happy here with my family. I have made some very good friends that I know I will never lose touch with thanks to texting and Skype. It's been an amazing experience and I've learned so much. You come on your own, and you have to learn to manage without your family and your friends. It's been an amazing experience. I've travelled a lot tooâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I've been to Florida and Disney World with my family, and I went to California, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, the Grand Canyon and Up North.â&#x20AC;? Currently, Kereji said there are about 125 au pairs from Au Pair in American in the Detroit area, and about 30 in her cluster group; there are more in the area from EurAuPair and Cultural Care. ost of the au pairs currently are from Germany, then Brazil, with a lot now coming from other countries in South America and Central America. The cost per week, including all fees to the au pair organization, averages approximately $350, per family, not per child. Out of pocket, the au pair is paid $197.75 per week. Because there is an educational component for au pairs, families must also pay for six hours of school throughout the year, three hours per semester, at any post-secondary institution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It's a very economical option for child care,â&#x20AC;? said host mother Robin Wooldridge, a medical sales representative in Southfield who has had au pairs for five years. She has twin five-year-old girls and an eightyear-old boy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The perception is that you have an au pair, you must be rich. It's just not true. And it's much more hands-on. They help you around the house, too.â&#x20AC;? Wooldridge, a single mother, loves the cultural aspect of having an au pair, as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My kids are learning Spanish, and sometimes the au pairs cook, and the kids taste food and seasonings from different parts of the world. It's a great exchange program.â&#x20AC;? Her current au pair, from Brazil, will be leaving the end of October, and she's already looking for another au pair from South America. She knows to make sure they don't have a boyfriend, to look for child care experience, that they can swim and cook. She loves the South American warmth and vivacity, and that they're very loving personalities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They're very social, and they're not there 24/7, but they're there when you need them. And then they go do their own thing. It's great.â&#x20AC;?

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wo guys battling over a girl on the dance floor. A beer bottle broken over another guy's head. A security guard stabbed in the neck with a fork while breaking up a fight. Rival groups brawling at a coney island in the middle of the night. A generation ago, any single one of these events would have been unheard of crime reports in a bar or restaurant in Birmingham. Until 1973, Birmingham was a “dry” city, not permitting alcohol, and there were therefore few restaurants and no bars. Since, the town has burgeoned as a food and entertainment destination, and in 2010 and 2011, these are just a few of the incidents Birmingham police have reported from newer restaurants and nightclubs in the booming entertainment and retail borough. While social morals and values have changed nationwide over the years, and there is more widespread ill-behavior everywhere anyone goes, it does appear that a majority, if not all, of the criminal behavior that has occurred either in or around Birmingham's restaurants, nightclubs and bars have been a result of too much alcohol by certain patrons. “The potential for bad behavior is always there, anywhere. However, it's larger when you get a larger crowd, a lot of drinks, late nights, and young people,” said Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt. Every place that has had an unfortunate incident, producing a police reaction, has been at a place that was approved for business by Birmingham's planning board and city commission after careful scrutiny. Each business sees thousands of patrons each weekend respectfully enjoy their restaurant or nightclub without incident, with a small percentage of incidents relative to the amount of people they welcome through their doors. But residents, politicians and staff are unhappy with the kinds of events which have taken place the last couple of years, and recently, the city commission has approved an ordinance giving them the authority to rescind or revoke an establishment's liquor license, rendering them out of business. The ultimate question is, can the genie go back into the bottle? Can Birmingham enjoy the economic vitality and sophistication it has sought without the ramifications which can come with more restaurants and nightclubs, and a more vibrant footprint. There are certain establishments in Birmingham that seem to attract a hipper, cooler crowd looking for action and fun. Years ago, Norm LaPage encountered and resolved issues at Big Rock Chophouse; later, Forte' had to contend with the “see and be seen” crowd. Next, Blue Martini was the “in” place. In recent years, those places have been replaced by Chen Chow, at 260 N. Old Woodward, owned by the Dali Group; Hamilton Room, 201 Hamilton Row, also owned by the Dali Group; and South, at 210 S. Old Woodward, owned by Joe Spadafore and Steve Puertas. The growth of Birmingham as a restaurant and entertainment destination has evolved over the years, beginning with the restoration and redevelopment of the Birmingham Theater in 1996 to run first-run movies once again, followed by the development of the Uptown Palladium 12 movie theater in a mixed-use building designed for retail and several restaurants and a nightclub. Tower Records took the corner retail location at S. Old Woodward and Hamilton, and a Brazilian steakhouse, a family Italian chain restaurant, and the upscale City Cellar and its companion Blue Martini nightclub, with purchased Class C liquor licenses, were all approved by the city commission. In 2007, after years of discussion, the Birmingham City Commission approved a new zoning ordinance through a special land use permit which allowed for the creation of bistros, and a bistro liquor license tied to the property and owner, with very specific requirements. It permits up to two bistro liquor licenses to new businesses in the Central Business District (the downtown area), the Triangle area, or the Rail District, and up to two licenses to existing businesses in the same areas each year. Those existing business licenses were granted to Salvatore Scallopini and Elie's Mediterranean Bistro.

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A bistro must conform to very specific criteria. There may be no more than 65 seats in the establishment, including no more than 10 seats at a bar. They must have a full service kitchen, and they can offer low-key entertainment. There must be outdoor seating, either on the sidewalk or on a raised platform in a parking spot, which is purchased through the city. The bistro must also have windows lining the street. The purpose of the outdoor seating and the windows lining the street is to activate the streets of Birmingham, highlighting the walkability of the city, and creating color and vibrancy for the sidewalks and streets. olice and city commissioners are quick to point out that there have been no liquor or police problems at any of the bistros, and they are considered an unqualified success, invigorating the downtown area and the north Old Woodward area of the city, in particular. But the same cannot be said for the nightclubs. The Blue Martini had its liquor license revoked in 2007 due to back-to-back liquor license violations, where employees served alcohol after hours two consecutive nights. The commission at the time filed an objection to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission regarding the renewal of the state-issued liquor license shared with City Cellar, noting that during 2005, the two establishments had 26 serious police runs, including nine assault and batteries, three disorderly conducts, eight fights, one threat/intimidation, and five trouble with customer reports. In 2010, South had 100 police incidents, including 25 police walk throughs, and the bar and restaurant was only open the last six months of the year. Of those 100 police incidents, there were six assault and batteries; three where customers felt they were in trouble; two disorderly conducts; a larceny; a crowd dispersal; seven where reports were made to the department at a later date; two noise complaints; three parking issues; and one suspicious circumstances complaint. Of the assaults and batteries, some were severe. In October 2010, a female patron reported she was dancing on the dance floor when she was approached by a male patron and struck several times, suffering minor injuries. She told police that she did not know the man, and he fled South before the police arrived. While the case was investigated, no suspect was ever identified. In November 2010, two men trying to enter South were denied entry by the nightclub's security personnel. The men became upset at not being allowed in, and got into first a verbal altercation with the security team, and then one of them physically assaulted one of the security men. He was subsequently arrested by Birmingham police, and prosecuted by the city attorney and Oakland County prosecutors. In December, a male patron reported that he had been physically assaulted by a member of the establishment's security personnel, although he did not state what he had done to warrant it. He did receive minor injuries, and sought out medical attention. Birmingham police investigated the case, and closed it without prosecuting the security staff. For 2011, the most notable assault and battery case at South allegedly involved pro football player Braylon Edwards in the early morning hours of August 1. At approximately 2 a.m., witnesses reported that a large fight erupted in the rear bar area, which security personnel attempted to quash, ending with one security person being stabbed in the neck and ear area with a fork, and another security person stabbed with a small knife. Both were treated at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak with non-life threatening injuries and released.

On Tuesday, August 2, a bar employee of South came to the police station and reported that he had been repeatedly assaulted and chased by an individual that night, allegedly Edwards, who has since denied any involvement. The employee stated that there was a large crowd in the hallway between the bar and the club area of the business, and the crowd was becoming unruly as South was shutting down for the night. The employee was accidentally pushed by someone in the crowd into Edwards, who allegedly pushed the employee back, yelling, “Do you know who I am?” The employee said Edwards then pushed or pulled him backwards, causing him to fall, and alleges that Edwards attempted to punch him, but that he was able to escape, running into the kitchen, where he assumed he would be safe. Edwards allegedly followed the employee into the kitchen, where he once again assaulted him, knocking him to the floor. While on the floor, the suspect or members of his entourage, who had joined Edwards in the kitchen, repeatedly kicked the man. South's security staff came in to intervene at that point, and while one security person attempted to restrain one subject, another male approached him from behind and stabbed the security person in the neck and ear area repeatedly with a fork. Another security person attempted to defend himself when he was cut across his hand and in between his fingers. Edwards recently filed suit against the owners of South claiming slander, malicious prosecution, and extortion, alleging that the incident cost him $15 million in salary this NFL season. The owners of South did not return calls on the suit or other incidents at their restaurant. On June 13, 2011 at 2:30 in the morning, a Birmingham police officer on patrol observed a large group of males fighting outside of South Bar. He called for assistance from other officers, and proceeded to approach the group fighting. Upon his approach, police report that the entire group fled the area on foot. As everyone scattered, the police noticed a man lying unconscious on the ground at the base of the ramp to South. Emergency services were called, and the man was treated by EMS. He was transported to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital. irmingham City Manager Bob Bruner said South's owners are very concerned about these incidents at their place of business. “South has come in to speak with myself and the city attorney (Tim Currier) to limit capacity on Sunday nights (a popular night), to have last call earlier, anything within their control that can diffuse the situation,” said Bruner. “They get it, and understand the vulnerable situation they are in, and that they rely on the city to renew their license, and if they do not get it, they'll lose their investment. Their arguments are that they are willing to do whatever it takes.” Hamilton Room and neighboring Quattro (now Barrio) had 172 police incidents in 2010, of which 58 were police foot patrol investigations and 25 were liquor inspections. More serious calls include five assault and batteries; one aggravated assault; five disorderly conducts; one sex offense; five suspicious circumstance complaints; a Taser use; one public drunkenness; three customer trouble complaints; a crowd dispersal complaint; a larceny; an intimidation call; and a malicious destruction of property. Their numbers are down in 2011, but a few incidents in March 2011 required backup from neighboring Bloomfield Hills police department, and almost cost the owners renewal of their liquor license at the annual review. The sexual offense occurred in January 2010 after a women said she met a man while dining at Quattro,

and left with him. She later reported to police she was sexually assaulted by him. Also in January 2010, two male patrons of Hamilton Room engaged in a verbal altercation inside the nightclub, and were escorted out by security personnel. Once they were outside, the fight became physical, and one man sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. In June 2010, a man tried to enter Quattro after 2 a.m., when the restaurant had closed. When the establishment refused to let him in, the man became irate and began kicking in the front door. Security staff of neighboring Hamilton Room intervened and held him until Birmingham police arrived and arrested him for disorderly conduct. He was subsequently prosecuted by the city attorney. In October 2010, three men at Hamilton Room engaged in a physical altercation, with one man ending up getting struck in the head with a glass or a bottle and requiring hospitalization. The case was investigated by police and presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, who declined to prosecute the case because it became evident upon further investigation that the victim had been the instigator in the assault and battery. Police reported that the case was eventually cleared. In November 2010, a male patron at Hamilton Room reported that he was punched in the face by an unknown man, receiving minor injuries. Later in the month, a security employee at the nightclub reported that he was threatened by a patron with some type of a knife or shank. The incident began on the dance floor, when a man accidentally bumped shoulders with another man as he was walking towards the dance floor. This led to a verbal confrontation between the two men. The man who was bumped proceeded to strike the first man in the face with a glass. He and his friends began to pummel the initial man and his friends. Bouncers jumped into the fray to break up the fight. The antagonist and his friends left the bar, while the victim went to the bathroom to clean up a small cut under his eye caused by the assault from the glass. When the victim and his friends left the bar shortly afterwards, the assailant and his friends were waiting outside. The assailant pulled a knife out and threatened the victim, who proceeded to go back into the Hamilton Room with his friends and call the police. In the late night/early morning hours of March 6, 2011, Birmingham police requested assistance from Bloomfield Hills police when they observed a large group of men and women on the sidewalk in front of the Hamilton Room and the entrance of the Uptown Palladium 12 theater yelling and jostling, along with a few people involved in fights, including members of the club's security staff. While the police were attempting to disperse the crowd, a man continued to hold his fists up in a fighting position, yelling “Come on, come on.” Officers worked to calm him down and get him to leave the area, but he continued to threaten the officers and other people in the area. Eventually, he was told he was under arrest, and he attempted to resist the police officer arresting him. The man was order to comply with police or a taser would be used on him in order to gain compliance. The police officer then pointed the taser at him; he then allowed the officers to take him into custody, where he was charged and prosecuted for disorderly conduct. Security staff have also been accused of over-zealous restraint. On March 7, 2011, a couple reported to Birmingham police that they had been assaulted by Hamilton Room's security personnel. The man reported to police that while he was in the bar area, someone threw a glass, which subsequently started a yelling and

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pushing match with several people in the bar area. The man stated that a security staffer grabbed him and put him in a “choke hold,” causing him to almost pass out. Security at Hamilton Room escorted him out of the establishment while continuing to keep him in a choke hold. The woman said she tried to intervene, telling the security guard that they were hurting him. She alleges that she was then struck in the face and eye area by an elbow of a security staffer. The man said he was taken to the door of Hamilton Room, still in the choke hold, and hit in the face two to three times by the same security guard who had put him in a choke hold. He was then thrown to the ground and kicked once by that security staffer. At this time, they both said, several people began pushing and yelling. Birmingham police then arrived at the scene and dispersed the crowd. Calls were not returned by the Dali Group on this, or any other, report. Additionally, drunk patrons have had a spillover effect at neighboring Leo's Coney Island, which is open 24-hours, on several occasions, including a brawl on March 13, 2011 at 2 a.m., when a large fight between different “families” at the coney spilled out onto the street and police had to call Bloomfield Hills police for assistance. The fear that police and restaurant owners have is that in the future a patron could conceal a gun, and there could be even worse consequences. “We work to make the environment as safe for patrons and people walking by on the street as we can, but we can't eliminate every potential, and neither can they (the owners),” said chief Studt. “I'm not in the bar and restaurant business, so it's difficult for me to tell them how to operate their businesses. I just report what happens. But if you put 600 people in one place, you're going to have problems.” Studt emphasized that his staff can handle the crowds and the situations Birmingham establishments encouter. ll of the incidents at Hamilton Room and South led Birmingham city commissioners to consider not renewing their liquor licenses during Birmingham's annual liquor license review of all Class B and Class C liquor licenses in the city, and city commission directed Bruner to notify the owners and operators of Hamilton Room and South that they were being requested to come before the commission at a public hearing. They ultimately renewed both licenses for the following year, issuing both establishments a warning that if the incidents continued, when renewals came up in March 2012, they would not be as gracious. Furthermore, in August 2011, the city commission unanimously amended two sections of a city code ordinance regarding liquor license renewals as well as the ability to revoke a liquor license, based on cause. City attorney Tim Currier informed commissioners that grounds to not renew or revoke a liquor license 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; among other reasons. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission details liquor transgressions as reasons to pull a license, but supports local municipalities. “We're looking at all of our options all of the time, and it's something discussed informally one-on-one with owners, but not pursued formally yet,” said Bruner. “Both the liquor licensees and the city agree these fights are bad things, and we want them to stop.” The owners of Hamilton Room have instituted corrective measures, which appear to have helped lower incidents of assault and battery and other crimes. They now have last call at 1:30 a.m., vs. 2 a.m.; they begin to bring up their lights earlier than previously; they have added extra security cameras and more security staff; and check people entering to make sure those who have a reputation for previous bad behavior are not let in again. Birmingham is not the only city with issues at their establishments; several Bloomfield Township restaurants have had occasional assault and batteries, threatening situations or suspicious circumstances, and Royal Oak and Ferndale, with very large entertainment districts, have had issues with public drunkenness, assaults, and run-ins with police over the years. Bruner met recently with all liquor license holders in the city to discuss how the city is going to review the city's liquor licenses, inviting input from restaurant owners. “We had an open forum with a discussion and a dialogue, and we'll continue to do that on a periodic basis.” Birmingham mayor Gordon Rinschler noted that the city has been very good at reacting to the bad behavior, successfully policing and prosecuting the miscreants. “Now the city commission needs to look at preventive measures, because reacting is a temporary response,” he said. Bruner, who was city manager of Ferndale until February, noted that, “This community has a different level of tolerance for these kinds of incidences. My wife asked me, 'didn't these things happen in Ferndale?' and I said I really don't know, because it wasn't news. What is acceptable in Ferndale may not be acceptable in Royal Oak, and what is acceptable in Royal Oak is not acceptable in Birmingham. But it's not the batting average for Birmingham restaurants; it's that the community at large is not tolerant of the behavior.”

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CITY/ TOWNSHIP Commissioners revise bistro ordinance Birmingham city commissioners on Monday, September 12 revised a pending resolution to alter the way applicants can apply for the two bistro licenses available every year. Commissioners came to unanimous agreement on the rewrite they did at the meeting, but chose not to vote on the resolution until they could review the changes, which will take place either at their September 26 or October 10 meeting. The biggest concern over the current way bistro licenses are administered is over the first-come, first-serve application process for the two licenses issued each year. The city commission had recently received recommendations from the planning board, and they discussed changing the application process to a deadlineoriented system, which would allow several applications to be reviewed at one time. This system would give the planning board and city commission the opportunity to select the best applications in a given year. Already, the planning division has received six bistro applications for 2012. At the meeting, the city commission determined that anyone who has a full package, as determined by the planning department, in by October 1, 2011, would be under consideration for a 2012 bistro license. Applicants will have to turn in a five-page summary of their proposal to Ecker, which will then be sent to the city commission for review. Additionally, applicants will have to present a full planning package, including financing, to the planning department.

Changes coming at Papa Joe’s istro Joe's, a dine-in area within Papa Joe's in Birmingham which has been under consideration since receiving a 2007 Birmingham bistro license, received approval from the Birmingham Planning Board on September 14 to redesign the existing plan, while an expansion plan for Papa Joe's was approved, with 10 conditions, at a planning board meeting on September 21. The redesign for Bistro Joe's will now go for approval at an upcoming city commission meeting. The Papa Joe's expansion plan must go first to the city's design review board and zoning board of appeals before heading to the city commission for final approval. Papa Joe’s Market was granted approval originally for outdoor dining by the planning board on May 28, 2003. Papa Joe’s Market received approval from the city to operate a bistro on November 14, 2007, which they decided to call Bistro Joe's. The concept would be for visitors to purchase prepared foods in the market, take it to the bistro area, then proposed for the second floor mezzanine near the wine shop, and purchase wine by the glass from a special vending machine. City commissioners have been frustrated by the lack of progress owner Tony Curtis has made on the bistro. Last winter, they gave him until March 1 to begin construction, or they would revoke the establishment's bistro license. Construction began February 28. Currently, Curtis is seeking approval of changes to the approved site plan. These changes include the addition of a second story parapet wall and balcony with outdoor seating, new canopies and signage. According to planning department plans, the proposed changes to Bistro Joe’s now include additional outdoor dining via a second floor parapet wall and an exterior balcony that will mirror the layout of the current outdoor dining directly below, as well as new signage and canopies. For the expansion, Curtis wants to add 2,606 feet to create an indoor/outdoor market area, and develop a new tenant space of 1,426 feet behind Massage Green. The planning board approved those plans but had concerns about vehicle and pedestrian access in the northern alleyway by Moosejaw, and a condition of the approval is they have to work with staff and engineering to redesign the traffic pattern and exit out of the parking lot.

“All applicants will then have five minutes of time to present a synopsis of their project to the city commission, hopefully at the first meeting in October. The purpose will be to mostly answer questions about their project, and then we'll rank them by preference, and send the top ones to the planning board to review,” said commissioner Stuart Sherman, an attorney who worked to craft the language of the resolution at the meeting. Following review by the planning board and planning department, applicants would need to return to the city commission for full approval. The new policy will be effective January 1, 2012.

Candidate drops out of commission race By Lisa Brody

Birmingham city commission candidate Nicole Blank announced Friday, September 9 that she had dropped out of the race to run for city commission on November 8, 2011. She declined to give a reason as to why she was stepping out of the race. Blank's name will remain on the ballot, as the last day to pull out from candidacy and have a name taken off the ballot was Friday, August 19 Currently, there are eight candidates for four open seats on the seven-seat Birmingham City Commission. Current commissioners Gordon Rinschler, George Dilgard, Scott Moore and Tom McDaniel are all running for reelection, as are challengers Doug Weaver, a cardiologist; Vicki Walsh, a Macomb County assistant prosecutor; James Foxley, owner of Detroit Welding & Fabricating; and Steve Knox, an attorney.

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REAL ESTATE TODAY Rent or buy? Timing is everything Written by Robert Taylor, Residential Real Estate Concepts & Consultants, Associate Broker

PG 44

On the fence about whether to buy or rent a home? Robert Taylor, past president of the Michigan Association of Realtors, gives you a “must-have” tool to help you choose.

“FORE” sale! Written by Kevin M. Tourneur,

MBA, Realtor

PG 44

Is your dream home one where you can step outside and hit the links? In today’s real estate market, that dream can come true for you, says real estate expert and avid golfer Kevin M. Tourneur.

%ORRPŹHOG 9LOODJH an Oakland County treasure Written by Kathy Parker, Realtor

PG 45

If you’ve always wanted to make that move to The Village, there’s no better time than now. Longtime Village resident and real estate agent Kathy Parker will convince you.

Birmingham within reach of ŹUVW WLPH KRPH EX\HUV Written by Kathy Manoogian, Realtor

PG 45

First time home buyer? Add Birmingham to the list of areas where you can buy a great home at a surprisingly affordable price! Real estate whiz Kathy Manoogian shows you how.

CBWeirManuel.com | 248-644-6300

Rent or buy? Timing is everything

So let’s look at what is happening today.

by Robert Taylor

No one can tell you when it’s the right time to buy a home. That is a personal decision only you can make. However, you need to live somewhere and, unless you are pitching a tent or crashing with friends or family, your options are typically to rent or buy. Whether you should rent or buy used to be a pretty straightforward decision. Housing prices always went up year after year and, since you received no tax benefit from the rent you paid to a landlord, buying was always a win-win. Then came the turmoil of the last five years. Prices declined, as did rents. Investors bought homes dirt cheap, fixed them up and rented them below prevailing rates. In 2009 in Birmingham, a renter could choose from an average of 154 properties every month. However, the number of properties actually rented monthly averaged only 30. This overabundance of inventory drove rents down by as much as 30% in some instances. Of 54 Birmingham properties leased in 2007, rents declined 7.2%, on average, when they leased again in 2009. Of course, we all know what happened to home values in our market from 2007 to 2009. The abundance of homes priced for liquidation by lenders drove values down significantly.

Rents in our area are up 10% on average. That same home, which rented for $2,400 in 2007, is now $2,500. We also know home sales prices are up approximately 10% off their lows of over a year ago. So now let’s see whether buying or renting will pay off today. You are looking again at that 2500 square foot home in Bloomfield Township. The taxes are approximately $5,485. You can buy with 10% down. Here is your choice: you can purchase for $460,000 or lease for $2,500 a month. According to the calculator, buying is better than renting even in the first year. And, if you stay in the home only three years, your average annual savings by buying instead of renting will be $37,585 a year. This is not an isolated instance, either. Today, the economic environment is more supportive than ever of buying over renting. But beyond economics, owning your home offers many intangible benefits: control of your living space, a feeling of permanence, a sense of community. Whether to buy a home or rent remains a personal decision. However, make certain you have all the facts. That is why it’s essential to work with a trusted real estate advisor to ensure that you take the right path.

Robert Taylor welcomes your comments: 248-433-5432 | rtaylor@cbweirmanuel.com

So let’s see whether buying or renting would have paid off during this period.

“FORE” sale! by Kevin M. Tourneur

It’s 2007 and you are looking at a 2500 square foot home in Bloomfield Township. The taxes are approximately $7,660. You can buy with 5% down but can allow for as much as 6% in seller’s concessions. Here is your choice: you can purchase for $580,000 or lease for $2,400 a month.

But to some, the best thing about the area is the number of private and public golf courses! Sure, most people in the area know or have heard about the world famous Oakland Hills Country Club, which has hosted major events like the US Open, the PGA and the Ryder Cup. But let’s look further… To avid golfers around the country, Michigan is known as a golf mecca. There are currently 1047 public and private golf courses in Michigan. In Oakland County alone there are 82 golf courses to choose from. Twenty of these are located within the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. But the story gets even better! For home buyers who desire the country club lifestyle, there is now an opportunity for the elusive “double dip”. They can buy a beautiful golf course or country club home for 40% to 50% of the price it sold for five years ago. The economy has also impacted the golf industry, evidenced by the lowered cost of playing golf or joining a country club. And, many country clubs have lowered or, in some cases, eliminated their initiation or equity membership fees. Here are some examples of golf course homes that recently sold: A lovely four bedroom, three full and one half bath condo with an internal courtyard, located on the sixth fairway of Wabeek Country Club in Bloomfield Township sold in June for $165,000. Or how about a 6000 square foot Colonial with four bedrooms and four full and two half baths. Located in the gated golf community of Oakhurst in Clarkston, this house was on the market in November 2006 for $849,000. I listed it in May 2010 for $549,000 and it sold for $515,000. The country club lifestyle is definitely in demand! In June I listed a beautiful condo in Bloomfield Township on the course of Wabeek Country Club and we had great results for the sellers. After just eight days on the market and more than 15 showings, we had a signed purchase agreement for the listing price. Moreover, I continued to receive calls on the property for three weeks after that.

There are all sorts of calculators to help guide you. My favorite is the one from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/business/buyrent-calculator.html The buy-rent calculator brings us to a surprising conclusion about buying in 2007: even after 30 years, renting was still a more favorable option, at least from a purely financial perspective.

from; nationally ranked public and private school systems; and some of the most beautiful lakes in the country.

Birmingham, the Bloomfields and the Lakes areas have many desirable reasons for people to live or to relocate to the region: diversity of homes, estates, or unique properties to choose

CBWeirManuel.com | 248-644-6300

If you’re a golfer or want to treat family and friends to country club activities, this is your time to buy!

Kevin M. Tourneur welcomes your comments: 248-433-5447 | ktourneur@cbweirmanuel.com

%ORRPÂżHOG 9LOODJH DQ 2DNODQG &RXQW\ WUHDVXUH by Kathy Parker

Bloomfield Village continues to be one of the finest neighborhoods in the Birmingham/ Bloomfield area. The spacious lots and design of the Village streets set it apart from neighborhoods nearby. As a 25+ year resident, I raised three children there, and growing up in that nurturing environment was beneficial for them in myriad ways. Now that they are on their own, the Village is still influential in their business and personal lives: the connections they established with their peers and their families during childhood have helped them successfully network as they entered the world away from home. I, too, have benefited from my close ties with the Village. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been an active Realtor there for more than a decade. After every recession the Village was one of the first neighborhoods to recover. And over the past year this has proven to be true once again. For the first time since 2005 we have seen an improvement in the average selling price in the Village. The declining market beginning in 2004 reduced the values of homes by 45% over the next six years. However, there has been an increase in the average selling price from $568,000 in 2010 to $619,000 in 2011. In addition, the average days on the market have decreased from 130 to 68 days. In 2011 we have seen the inventory of homes in the Village decrease. Many homes have sold well within the first 24 hours. And though staging, marketing, open houses, and advertising are all important components in selling a home, price trumps everything and this is typically the key to a sale. For buyers, great prices coupled with low interest rates enable them to live in the type of home they thought might be out of their range financially. For the high-end buyer a 4414 square foot home at 1085 East Glengarry Circle, with five bedrooms and four and one half baths, listed at $899,000, is a perfect example. It sits in the desirable â&#x20AC;&#x153;estate areaâ&#x20AC;? on a large private lot. A 2344 square foot home at 2327 Tilbury, with four bedrooms and two full and one half baths, is listed at $449,000, an ideal home for the entry-level buyer.

The charts below, showing average selling price and days on the market, underline the desirability of Bloomfield Village. There is simply no better time than now to make your dream of living in the Village a reality!

Average Sales Price 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000

downtown area. Pierce Elementary, one of the finest schools in the Birmingham District, is three blocks away. Just one block south of Lincoln youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find an 1100 square foot brick bungalow with three bedrooms and one and one half baths. It was listed at $129,900 and is currently pending. The interesting thing is that the house across the street just sold for $930,000. Granted, it is much larger and newer, but it really supports the value of purchasing one of the lower priced properties on the street. The potential for rapid equity build up in this type of purchase is phenomenal!

400000 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Average Days On Market 250 200 150 100 50

Looking for an absolutely move-in-ready home? Closer to Woodward, staying south of Lincoln, a property on Davis Street is a great find. There, you will find a 1500 square foot, three bedroom, two bath brick Colonial with updated baths, updated granite kitchen, finished basement with bar, hardwood floors, and coved ceilings for $220,000! Just two and one-half years ago this house was selling for $350,000.

0 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Kathy Parker welcomes your comments: 248-433-5486 | kparker@cbweirmanuel.com

Birmingham within UHDFK RI ÂżUVW WLPH home buyers

If you love the idea of being right in the heart of downtown, Birmingham Place is the epitome of city living. This upscale condo development has been beautifully renovated recently to include all dark hardwood floors, granite counters in the kitchen and baths, brand new kitchens with stainless top-of-the-line appliances and gorgeous cherry wood cabinets. You can pick up a one bedroom, one bath condo here for $184,900. Association fees are an additional $277 a month, and include underground parking.

by Kathy Manoogian

As a first time buyer you must also be advised of the best negotiating strategies when making offers on value-priced properties in Birmingham. The market is very active, and you will be competing with many buyers who see the same investment potential you do.

Many people have considered Downtown Birmingham out of reach for most first time buyers. Not anymore. Today you can find great properties you would be proud to call home for under $300,000. There are neighborhoods with such a vast variety of price points that you can easily find a nice home even under $200,000. Washington Boulevard in is one example. It runs South off Lincoln and East of Southfield Road. It is within walking distance to the

CBWeirManuel.com | 248-644-6300

Here are some tips to consider: } Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bid too low! Houses like these are typically priced right and sell for asking price or even higher in some cases. } Include as few contingencies in your offer as possible. Many savvy sellers will choose the offer with the most certainty of closing over the highest price. } By all means, have your financing in place and pre-approved by a reputable lender. Downtown Birmingham living could be right at your fingertips, and all it takes is a little bit of sweat equity and quick thinking.

Kathy Manoogian welcomes your comments: 248-433-5483 | kmanoogian@cbweirmanuel.com

West Bloomfield: You’ll “make a splash” with this beautiful lakefront home on all-sports Union Lake. Moments from family/ friends in Birmingham/ Bloomfield - this home will be the new gathering place! 4000 sqft plus an additional 2000 in the partially finished walk-out lower level. This home has truly stunning lake views from most rooms. 96 feet of lakefrontage. $950,000

Karen Thomas 248-505-3066

kthomas@cbweirmanuel.com

Bloomfield: This wonderful home is located in the “estate” section of Bloomfield Village on a large private lot. Bathrooms and 2nd Flr laundry just remodeled. 5 bedrooms inclusive of a 1st floor bedroom suite make this home ideal for all living dynamics. Beautiful millwork, generous sized rooms, hardwood floors throughout, granite island kitchen. $899,000

Kathy Parker 248-433-5486

kparker@cbweirmanuel.com

Birmingham: Exquisite home! Renovated in 2000. Light and bright! Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Tastefully decorated! Versatile floor plan. Two first floor bedrooms/dens. Soaring vaulted ceilings on second floor. Huge master w/sitting room. Updates: new carpet, stove, landscaping, cedar deck & fence. Brick paver porch & walk. Cedar shed. Home warranty. $269,900

John Darvis 248-770-2147

jdarvis@cbweirmanuel.com

Commerce: Fabulous opportunity to build your dream home in an exclusive executive development on a lake w/Walled Lake Schools, 5 mins from M-5, 3 blocks to bike path, parks, Richardson Center, & new downtown Commerce & library. Lakefront lot of over 1/2 acre on private electric motor Woodbridge Lake. Custom homes of elegance on this cul-de-sac street. $94,900

Kendra McConnell Hurd 248-433-5409

kmhurd@cbweirmanuel.com

CBWeirManuel.com | 248-644-6300

Bloomfield Hills: Custom designed by Alexander Bogaerts with breathtaking beauty, this phenomenal Bloomfield Hills estate is absolute perfection! It has 5 luxurious bedroom suites, including 2 stunning princess suites. Heated floors in kitchen & hearthroom, & also the master bath to keep you warm & cozy. Basketball court & showers in the lower level. $3,100,000

Kathy Manoogian 248-433-5483

kmanoogian@cbweirmanuel.com

West Bloomfield: This newer architecturally unique farmstyle home was built w/ careful attention to detail, adhering to the look of authenticity & offering amenities too numerous to list. Beautiful hickory hardwood floors, charming use of wood thru-out. 3 fireplaces, one done in pewabic tile. Large comfortable living space making an inviting warm atmosphere. $1,400,000

Barbara Draplin 248-433-5404

bdraplin@cbweirmanuel.com

Bloomfield Hills: Beautiful tudor situated on over an acre of private wooded landscape. Gracious foyer opens to exquisite living room with custom wallpaper & window treatments. Peg wood floors accentuate beautiful dining room with butler’s pantry. Wonderful family room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace and windows withe xceptional views. $679,900

Lisa Masters 248-212-4231

lmasters@cbweirmanuel.com

West Bloomfield: This home is one of the larger homes in prestigious Chelsea Park. Private cul-de-sac setting & a really nice size back yard in “The Hills of Chelsea Park”. Finished walkout basement adds another 2000 sq. ft., 5th bedroom, full bath & kitchen. The first floor kitchen is absolutely gorgeous done in maple & granite! 2 story family room, 2 staircases, 2 powder rooms. $599,900

Kathy Manoogian 248-433-5483

kmanoogian@cbweirmanuel.com

CBWeirManuel.com | 248-644-6300

WHEN YOUR HOME DESERVES THE VERY BEST.

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Khederian appointed new township trustee By Lisa Brody

Corinne Khederian was appointed by a unanimous vote of the township board on Monday, September 12 to fill the Bloomfield Township trustee position vacated by Leo Savoie, who was appointed to the position of supervisor in July. Savoie became township supervisor August 1, replacing Dave Payne, who retired. Khederian, who had been chairperson of the township's zoning board of appeals, and Dr. Scot Goldberg, chair of the township's planning commission, were the two finalists out of 18 candidates vying to fill the open position. At a special study session on Thursday, September 8, each made a 15-minute presentation to the board and about a dozen citizens in the audience, followed by a discussion of the trustees. It quickly became clear that, although the trustees were

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Forte leasing deal dead n offer by J. Alexander's for a new concept restaurant to go into the former Forte' location on S. Old Woodward in Birmingham is no longer in play. Rob Miles, a restaurant leasing agent with Restaurant Development Advisors in Birmingham, confirmed that J. Alexander's has cancelled the deal. “The deal did die,” Miles, who represented the restaurant group, said. Landlord Ted Fuller also confirmed that the deal has died. J. Alexander's, a publicly-traded restaurant group out of Nashville, Tennessee, had previously made an offer for a restaurant to go into the former Forte' location on S. Old Woodward. Sources confirmed that the deal was in the negotiating stage, but did not progress further. There is currently a “For Lease” sign in the windows of the former restaurant storefront. Fuller said he is looking for another restaurant to fill the space, and it is believed that he is seeking a national restaurant tenant.

impressed with Dr. Goldberg, who has both an MD and an MBA, they were leaning towards Khederian. Khederian, a New York native, is an attorney who currently is director of district affairs for Sen. John Pappageorge. She has lived in Michigan for 20 years; 19 of those in Bloomfield Township. She is involved in Republican Party activities, serving as vice chairperson of the Oakland County

Republican Party since 2008, and is on the executive committee. Her two children currently attend Birmingham Schools' Seaholm High School, and she has long been active in their schools, with the military and with the township. Her first foray into township affairs was campaigning for the safety millage in 2002. She has been a precinct delegate since 2002 as well. Khederian has been on the zoning

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board of appeals since 2003, and chair since 2005. “I do believe I am the best candidate for trustee. I have been a consensus builder. I have been a community liaison. I have been a multigenerational advocate working with young and old,” she said. She said her vision as trustee is to follow the goals of the Strategic Plan; to maintain the low debt burden and the township's AAA bond rating; and to explore more avenues for consolidation as long as it does not compromise services for residents. After the vote, she was sworn in by township clerk Jan Roncelli. “Serving my community is a privilege and I enthusiastically look forward to working on the board for the residents of Bloomfield Township,” Ms. Khederian said in a prepared statement. “Having served as a member of the township's zoning board of appeals since 2003, and chairing it since 2005, I have had unique experience in interacting with the community. That will help me transition into my new role as township trustee." Her term, along with all other board members, expires November 2012.

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Camille Jayne joins Community House Debbie Schrot, executive director of The Community House in Birmingham, will be joined by Birmingham/ Bloomfield native Camille Jayne, who was just appointed President and CEO of The Community House. The position of CEO had been held by Donald J. Kunz, Chair of The Community House Board of Directors. Kunz will retain his position as chair of the board of directors. Schrot was named the executive director of The Community House in June, after previous executive director and president Shelley Roberts announced her retirement after 13 years. Schrot was promoted to her position after working as Roberts' executive administrator. She has been with The Community House for 16 years. “We have felt there is a need for two people for the management of The Community House,” Kunz said. “When we promoted Debbie, there was a lot of confidence in her, but we did not know

who would fit the other piece. When Camille became available, we moved forward with her. We're very wellpositioned for the future now. It's the way to utilize the talents of both individuals.” Jayne, who began her position on Monday, September 12, is originally from the Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills area, graduated from Cranbrook Schools, and then received a bachelors degree and masters in fine arts in design from Stanford University, and an MBA in marketing from the University of Michigan. Locally, she held executive positions at Comerica Bank and Ameritech before becoming one of a select group of women to head a public company, serving as chairman and CEO of Universal Electronics, Inc., a consumer electronics company in southern California. She has served on many public, private and non profit boards. As an entrepreneur, Camille founded The JAYNE Group, a strategic planning and business management consulting company, as well as Matters at Hand, which helps clients get their personal wealth management affairs in shape.

Kunz said that Schrot will be more involved in the day-to-day management of affairs of The Community House, while Jayne will handle the strategic end of The Community House, “although they both will run both ends together,” he said. He noted that previously, Roberts, while a hands-on manager, was the outside person, the public persona of the organization, while Schrot had worked inside running the facility. “We're (the board) very, very excited to have Camille on board, and to work with both women,” he said. “The combination of Debbie’s invaluable insight from sixteen years at TCH with Camille’s corporate and business educational successes will ensure TCH can continue to provide the services our constituents enjoy, while adding new focus and offerings – especially to the business community.” “I am extremely excited to join The Community House team in partnership with Debbie Schrot. I look forward to continuing the great work that Shelley, Debbie and the TCH team have established, as well as helping to make TCH an even more important anchor

and destination point for the southeastern Michigan community,” Jayne said. The Community House offers over 800 educational enrichment classes each year and is home to a number of sponsored groups including the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Clubs, The Race Relations & Diversity Task Force, StoryTellers Guild and the International Community Club.

Roberts taking over Brandy’s location By Lisa Brody

Local restaurateur Bill Roberts, owner of Beverly Hills Grill in Beverly Hills, Streetside Seafood in Birmingham and Town Tavern in Royal Oak, is leasing Brandy's restaurant at 1727 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, and plans to renovate and transform it into a new restaurant called Roadside B&G (Bar & Grill). Brandy's, which had served upscale casual American fare for over 50 years, has closed. According to plans submitted to the

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Bloomfield Township Planning Commission and Design Review Board, Roberts will be doing extensive renovation work on the restaurant. He will be using Ron and Roman Architects in Birmingham. Roadside B&G is expected to seat approximately 140 to 150 people inside, including the back room, and 40 to 50 outdoors. Roberts said the menu is expected to be simple roadside food with a Roberts' flair. “There will be familiar fare, nothing cutting edge. There will be fresh fish every night, perch like at Streetside, ribs, fish and chips, and other good classic roadside fare,” he said. “Bill is treating it as a roadside place, and the theme will reflect that,” said Roman Bonislawski. Noting that Brandy's was a fairly dark restaurant, “We'll be opening it up with wooden glass sliding doors in the front that will open to the deck/patio along the two front facades at Telegraph and Crestview. You'll be able to see right into it. They’ll all have bronze glass railing system around the patio.” The exterior will be painted, with barn wood siding added in places. Vintage metal pedal cars will be added as part of the exterior décor.

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Bonislawski said the interior will be done simply to maintain the character of a roadside tavern. “Inside, we'll open the ceiling area to add height,” he said. He said the renovation will include a party room at the rear of the restaurant, with its own outdoor patio. “It will provide space for 20 to 30 people to have their own private patio experience,” he said. Technically, the entire restaurant will be brought up to code, with all mechanicals and electricals improved. The parking lot will also be improved and made more user-friendly. Roberts said he is hoping to have everything completed in time to open by the end of the year.

Peters to run in new 14th district U.S. Congressional Representative Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham) announced on Thursday, September 8 that he will run for re-election in 2012 in the newly-drawn 14th congressional district, currently held by U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Detroit).

Conyers has announced he plans to run for re-election in 2012 in the 13th congressional district. U.S. Rep. Hansen Clark (D-Detroit) has announced he plans to run for re-election in the 14th. The 14th district encompasses significant parts of both Oakland and Wayne counties, including both county seats, and is a product of recent redistricting. In Oakland County, it includes Pontiac, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Oak Park, Lathrup Village, and Royal Oak Township. In Wayne County, the 14th includes parts of the city of Detroit, including downtown, Mexican Village, Belle Isle, and Corktown; Hamtramck; Harper Woods; and the Grosse Pointes. It does not include Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills or Birmingham, which are now part of the 9th District. The 9th district will no longer exist in 2012 due to redistricting and a loss of population in the state of Michigan. Peters currently lives in Bloomfield Township, with children in public school. The 9th District currently includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Auburn Hills, Berkley, Clawson, West Bloomfield,

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Farmington, Farmington Hills, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Orchard Lake Village, Troy, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Pontiac, Lake Angelus, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Waterford, Royal Oak Township, and Independence Township—a majority of Oakland County. “He lives just a couple of hundred yards from the new district,” noted congressional outreach director Hy Safran. Peters had the choice to run in either the newly-drawn 14th, 11th or 12th congressional districts, based on where his communities were being reapportioned. Bloomfield Township, part of Clawson, Berkley, and Royal Oak have all been placed into the new 12th district, where Peters would have faced a primary battle against fellow Democrat Sander Levin. Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, are now in the 11th District, currently Rep. Thaddeus McCotter's (R) district. “Obviously, he's sad to to leave Bloomfield Township, but he feels this district will allow him to help the most people in Oakland County, as well as the Detroit area,” said Jared Smith, Peters' communications director.

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Planners turn down proposed synagogue By Lisa Brody

The Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center, also known as the Birmingham Shul, located at 1578 Lakeside at the southwest corner of Lakeside and Quarton roads in Birmingham, was unanimously turned down by the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, September 14 for a special land use permit to renovate the existing home, currently being used as a parsonage, into a 126-person synagogue. The proposal, drafted for a building by noted Birmingham architect Irv Tobocman, had met with widespread neighborhood concern prior to it coming before the planning board. The home, situated on a neighborhood street in tree-lined Quarton Lake Estates, is zoned R-1, which permits churches and synagogues with a special land use permit. Holy Name church, school and parsonage all reside under such zoning. However, in this situation, it was deemed the designs for the site, a 126-seat sanctuary with a large kitchen and dining facility, as well as parking for 21 cars, would not work. “Fundamentally, the scale for their proposal was inappropriate for the neighborhood,” said planning board chairman Robin Boyle. “This home is situated in a mature neighborhood which has grown over the last 85 years into a walkable, familycentered neighborhood. There was also some contradiction regarding the scale of the parking, which also gave us some doubt.” Several neighbors, who wrote letters to the planning department, pointed out that 21 parking spots for 126 congregational seats would necessitate six passengers per car, an unlikely occurrence. Chai Centers are religious Jewish outreach organizations which seek to offer a place for observance, religious education, social interaction, celebrations and counseling in a nondenominational forum. The Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center is currently run by Rabbi Boruch Cohen and his wife, and they live at the Lakeside location with their children. Current zoning prohibits services at the parsonage, but neighbors note they regularly observe religious services going on, and on occasion downtownpublications.com

have complained to the police, which have warned the center. Religious meals and social events are permissible. Neighbors have already complained about extra traffic and parking problems. Paul and Amy Ragheb wrote to the planning board, “Our decision has nothing to do with the religious use of the land. This would be a significant departure from the original use and intention of this area, that being residential and community based. Our decision is based on safety, and the future of our family.” All seven members of the planning board concurred with the overflowing crowd that showed up to object to the special land use permit, and they unanimously turned the proposal down. “We really felt it was an inappropriate scale of development in a single family neighborhood,” said Boyle. The Cohens and the Shul can resubmit new plans if they choose, which planning director Jana Ecker said she believes they will do.

Township to televise board meetings After years of requests by residents, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously agreed at their September 12 meeting to begin live broadcasting their township board meetings. The township's Bloomfield Community Television studios, located right behind Township Hall, will provide the services. Trustees chose the third option presented to them, the only one that can offer live streaming, which will cost the township $5,600 per year plus a one-time cost of $88,000 for the renovation of the control room, installation of the equipment to televise meetings live to the community, and a fiber link to be run from township hall to the cable studios. Three permanent overhead cameras will be installed in the township auditorium. Leslie Helwig, community relations director, noted there will be no wear-and-tear on the equipment, graphics can be inserted, meetings can be televised live, and the equipment can be used for other shows or meetings. The trustees are considering the option of televising planning, zoning board of appeals and other meetings. DOWNTOWN

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BUSINESS MATTERS Skier's Peak in Bloomfield Skier’s Peak, a ski equipment and apparel company, will soon occupy the space at 6565 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township. The store, located at Maple and Telegraph roads, was previously home to Barnes & Noble. “We took over the northern section of the old Barnes & Noble,” said Bob Thomas, Skier's Peak's owner. The family-owned business is moving from their space at 2129 Orchard Lake Road in Sylvan Lake and is aiming to open in Bloomfield Township on October 1. “It’s nice because it’s close to my home and my customer base,” Thomas said. “It’s a corner that I’m very familiar with.” Thomas, a Bloomfield Township resident for 15 years, recently had the 6,000 square foot space renovated to create a warm and inviting interior. “We wanted to personalize it,” he said. “We raised the ceilings and added things like a fireplace, a seating area and a hospitality area.” Thomas has owned Skier’s Peak since 2005 and has been a skiing enthusiast for many years. “My kids are both very active in skiing as well. They’ve been skiing since they were two years old.” Thomas’s son, Andrew Thomas, was captain of the ski team at Andover High School. His daughter, Elli Thomas, is currently an Andover High School student and on the school’s ski team. Skier’s Peak offers brands such as Carbon, Obermeyer and Skea. “In the summer season, we’ll do a lot of the active and lifestyle wear,” said Thomas. The move and expansion will bring 10 new jobs to the community. “I’m looking forward to hopefully a nice, snowy season.” Darren Frankel, owner of the building, is pleased to have Skier’s Peak in the space. “We’re extremely excited to have them there,” Frankel said. “They are a wonderful addition to the center.” Frankel said the remaining building space is being actively marketed for lease.

Metropolitan Tailor moving After 17 years in business, Metropolitan Tailor has moved from its 2235 Cole St. location in the Rail District to 537 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham. Owner Mazen Masry was seeking a downtownpublications.com

location with more foot traffic. “My old location was hard to see from the road,” he said, “It’s a nice area and the customers are classy people. That’s why I wanted to stay in Birmingham.” Masry came to the U.S. from Jordan in 1989 to work as a tailor. After working for Metropolitan Tailor for over a decade, he bought the business six years ago.

New Jimmy John's A new Jimmy John’s location is opening at 4087 W. Maple Road. The sub shop is located at Maple and Telegraph roads in Bloomfield Township. Owner Cliff Lunney chose the location, in part, for its proximity to his own home. “I’m renting a house in downtown Birmingham now and I’m getting ready to build in Bloomfield Village. I just really liked that intersection and thought it would be a great spot to open a store.” Lunney owns 20 other Jimmy Johns in metro Detroit and his stores offer a variety of food items. “We have subs, sandwiches, French bread, wheat bread, cookies and chips,” he said. “We don’t do soups and salads. We do sandwiches and we do them well. It allows us to be fast and efficient.” Lunney said the new business is bringing 30 new jobs to the area. “We’re recruiting local people,” he said. “We’ll be hiring some local high school kids in the area for part-time. We’ll also be filling some full-time positions.” The sub shop delivers locally. “Instead of calling and just ordering a pizza, people will have a more healthy option.”

Wellness Center Birmingham Wellness Center has just moved into its space at 219 Elm Street from their previous location at 1775 E. 14 Mile Road in Birmingham. “We’ve been in business for 15 years,” said Julie Harris, office manager. “We moved because we wanted to be a little closer to town.” The center was also looking to expand and found a larger, more accommodating space on Elm Street. “Our open house is on Thursday, October 6 at 6 p.m.,” Harris said. “It’s open to the public and we’re going to have hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. We’ll have free samples of our services, chair massages, demonstrations and gift baskets.” The center employs four chiropractors and features holistic wellness, including massage therapy, nutritional counseling, detoxification

and cleansing programs. They also focus on allergy elimination and weight-loss techniques.

Gloves-On fights bullying Michael Collins and David Zawicki, owners of Oliver’s Trendz and SuhmThing in Birmingham, are joining the fight against bullying with their new line, Gloves-On. “It was started to bring awareness for teens and young adults to take action against bullying,” Collins said. “We’ll have our own branded Tshirts and hats. Different artists from all over the country will design for this project and we’re working with some local and national partnerships.” Gloves-On apparel will be available online and at SuhmThing, located at 122 W. Maple in Birmingham, starting October 7. The organization has been in the works for a year. “We’re just a couple of guys with a passion to do what we can do for this.” Upon hearing the news story of Asher Brown, a young homosexual boy from Texas who committed suicide as a result of bullying, Zawicki and Collins were compelled to act. The couple, who have been partners for 15 years, designed the brand themselves. “We are manufacturing the brand ourselves. Everything is done in the USA and will have the Gloves-On label,” said Collins. “We are one of the first charitable apparel lines to fight antibullying in the USA.” In addition to Tshirts and hats, Glove-On will offer sweatshirts, zip-up hoodies, bracelets, necklaces, bumper stickers and magnets. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Trevor Project, Stompoutbullying.org and pacerkidsagainstbullying.org.

Moran & Things move It's still the same business, but Moran’s Flora has recently undergone a change in name, ownership and location. Now called Moran & Things, the florist shop has moved from 2129 Cole Street to 2245 Cole Street in Birmingham. New owner and longtime Bloomfield Hills resident Mike Conway decided to lease a larger space for the growing business. “We reorganized and moved into a larger facility,” he said. “It’s

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about 2,500 square feet.” Rosita Moran, the former owner, recently made the decision to retire, Conway said. The florist continues to offer fresh arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special events. “We also have plant arrangements, artificial and fresh. About 75 percent of our business is corporate,” Conway said.

Vanker and Saad partner Longtime Birmingham dentist, Dr. David Vanker, has taken on a partner after 35 years in business. Dr. Ali Saad recently joined the practice at 837 Forest Avenue. “I’ve had associates in the past, but this is the first time I’ve taken on a full partner,” Vanker said. “Dr. Saad has some great experience and he’s an incredible dentist. It’s a great match.” Saad, who was recently named the official dentist for Miss Michigan USA and the Miss Michigan Teen USA pageants, has had training in cosmetic dentistry and full mouth reconstruction. “Dr. Saad has given back to the dental community by authoring five books on the National Dental Boards, which have already helped thousands of dentists in achieving their board certification,” Vanker said. Saad earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his advanced dental degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. He also completed an externship with ABC’s Extreme Makeover dentist, Dr. Bill Dorfman. Vanker, an Andover High School alumnus, has been a Birmingham resident for 36 years. “I’ve been connected with the community for years,” he said. “My wife and kids went to Seaholm High School.”

Physical therapy facility Accelerated Health Systems, offering pain relief for the back, neck, shoulder and knee, has opened at 1940 S. Telegraph Road, located in the Bloomfield Market Place Plaza, north of Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Township. “We’re a physical therapy facility,” said Sarah Giroux, physical therapist and facility manager. “We (treat) any kind of chronic pain. I also do a little bit of women’s health.” Giroux offers treatment for pelvic pain, incontinence, pre and post-natal care. “We offer a lot of one-on-one personal care.” Giroux said they chose Bloomfield Township for its location 57

and potential nearby clientele. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can be seen by the road and there are a lot of doctors in the area,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we take most insurances.â&#x20AC;? The facility features an open gym setting and offers bikes, treadmills, weights and therapy beds.

Lutz RE Investments Lutz Real Estate Investments, a company that acquires and manages commercial and multi-family real estate properties, is completely renovating the former Max Broock building at 300 S. Old Woodward Avenue and will be moving their offices to the Birmingham location by November 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been looking in Birmingham for about a year and a half now,â&#x20AC;? said owner Adam Lutz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We finally found a space that gave us visibility and a great location.â&#x20AC;? Lutz has owned the company for six years and will be relocating to the 5,000 square feet space from their previous location at

31700 Middlebelt Road in Farmington. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Farmington location was missing that urban work environment,â&#x20AC;? Lutz said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe Birmingham will bring energy to the employees and the clients. It will be a vibrant and exciting work environment.â&#x20AC;? With an ample variety of eateries, Lutz calls Birmingham a great place to meet with clients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be an exciting new development for Birmingham,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The building is being stripped to its core and it will be a contemporary loft-like building.â&#x20AC;? The build-out involves changes to both the interior and exterior of the building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be new awnings, new entrance ways.â&#x20AC;? According to Lutz, business has significantly picked up and the growing company required more space. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Month by month it gets busier and busier.â&#x20AC;? Lutz, an Andover High School alumnus, has been a Birmingham resident since 2004. 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.

OUR TOWN

Art Show & Sale

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The Community House, 380 South Bates Street, Downtown Birmingham 5HVHUYDWLRQV Â&#x2021; ZZZ FRPPXQLW\KRXVH FRP 58

DOWNTOWN

10.11

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

220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Barrio Tacos & Tequila: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brandy’s Steakhouse: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.338.4300. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800 Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. Chen Chow Brasserie: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. 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. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

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FOCUS ON WINE J Vineyards & Winery celebrates 25 sparkling years By Eleanor and Ray Heald

udy Jordan, Founder and President of J Vineyards & Winery, has been making world-class California sparkling wines for a quarter century. Not content to rest on bubble laurels, a few years ago she launched a new J Vineyards varietal wine program of cool-climate, site-specific, Russian River Valley chardonnay and pinot noir. She created a two-houses-underone-roof concept by using the same two grape varieties to make both sparkling and still wines and achieve first-rate quality with both. Jordan assures lovers of her sparkling wines that J Vineyards will never abandon the sparkling wine business, but she is passionate about making great chardonnay and pinot noir from the Russian River Valley. Although the same grape varieties are used for making still and sparkling wines, radically different pruning, viticultural techniques and vineyard sites are used for each program. Focused on the latter, Jordan purchased new vineyards on welldrained hillside and bench sites in the Russian River Valley, dedicated exclusively to making varietal wines. This acquisition followed the sale of some sparkling wine vineyards and confirms J Vineyards’ goal to produce the finest pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris. Each vineyard is mapped for soil composition, mineral content and moisture level and subdivided into various blocks, which are harvested and fermented separately. J Vineyards grows 13 different pinot noir clones. Lower numbered Dijon clones 113, 115 and 117 are sparkling wine clones with large clusters and big berries that give a lot of juice without much color. The higher numbered clones such as 667, 777 and 828 are artisan pinot noir clones that produce fruit with very small berries, significant color and big flavor for still wine. Grapes for sparkling and still wines are different; not even related.

concept is not possible in France. “I knew,” says Jordan, “that we needed to create something new, bright, fresh and exciting or we would be just another also-ran. I think that is why we are receiving such an enthusiastic reception, because we are shocking. We have broken the mold. We are driving this whole thing to the extreme.” Among the “drivers” is winemaker Melissa Stackhouse, who according to a new website womenwinemakers.com is one of less than 10 percent of

Wine Picks for autumn Value bubbly: NV La Marca Prosecco $17 Best value whites: 2010 Dry Creek Chenin Blanc $12 and NV Octavin New Zealand Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc $24/3L Ease into autumn red: 2009 Joseph Drouhin Brouilly $18 Can’t be beat Italian Bordeaux varietal blends: 2006 Teunta di Pianali Coronato $70 and 2007 Tenuta di Biserno Il Pino $80 Perfect Pinots Noirs for autumn 2008 MacRostie Sonoma Coast $34 2007 Cloudy Bay $35 2009 Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch $38

women winemakers in California. Agriculture played an important role in her life since she grew up in a Michigan farming community. “Each one of our vineyards,” Stackhouse says, “has a unique personality. We dig deep into the soil to better understand and encourage the right expression of flavor for each estate vineyard. It is important to distinguish and separate these flavor profiles, whether it becomes a J varietal wine, or a J sparkling wine.” According to George Rose, J Vineyards & Winery Public Relations Director, “The popular J Cuvée 20 will continue to be the driver on the sparkling wine side, and then consumers will have all of these neat small production late-disgorged, vintage Brut and Brut Rosé wines available through the wine club and in some retail markets.”

Meet the winemaker J’s project creates direct comparisons to France, but the “two-house”

Some of the best from J 2010 California Pinot Gris $15. Aromas of peach and lychee with mirrored flavors of melon and honeysuckle. 2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay $28. High-tone apple, pear and brioche aromas with rich, creamy palate impression. 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $35. Bright cherry notes and full flavors with solid depth and length. J Cuvée 20 Brut NV $24. Two words: stylish and delicious.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, 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

Perhaps more than any other red, pinot noir showcases its vineyard origin. Buy all four of the following and have a tasting with friends, followed by a grilled tuna or grilled salmon dinner. Each is true to its appellation of origin. 2007 La Rochelle Santa Cruz Mountains $38 2008 La Rochelle Sonoma Coast $42 2008 La Rochelle Russian River Valley $42 2008 La Rochelle Santa Lucia Highlands $48 Toward the end of the month, Zinfandelssuit for late fall barbecues. 2009 Dry Creek Heritage $19 2009 Dashe Dry Creek Valley $24 2008 Sausal Private Reserve $24 2009 Dutton Goldfield Stoetz Ridge Vineyard $30 2007 Benessere Napa Valley Holystone-Collins Old Vines $32 2008 Dashe Florence Vineyard $32 2008 Ravenswood Single Vineyard designates include unique zin characteristics: At $35 there’s Belloni, Barricia, Dickerson, Big River, Teldeschi and at $60 Old Hill from Sonoma’s oldest vines. Eleanor & Ray Heald are contributing editors for the internationally respected Quarterly Review of Wines among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.

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. House of India: Indian. Tuesday-Sunday; Lunch & Dinner. Reservations. 1615 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.451.0201. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. 33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7010. La Feast: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 297 East Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7768. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760. Also 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-

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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. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. South: Mexican. Lunch, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. Stacked Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, 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. 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. 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 Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588 Zazios: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009. Phone: 248.530.6400 Zumba Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No Reservations. 163 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2775.

AT THE TABLE Nu-Asian concept continues to innovate at Mon Jin Lau in Troy By Eleanor Heald

oined “Nu-Asian,” eclectic Asian cuisines with a cross-cultural spin, is inspired by the Asian background of Mon Jin Lau owners and their sons. In 1969, Mon and Joe Chin opened the 160-seat restaurant in Troy. Three years later, their son Marshall joined the family restaurant, where today with his wife May Sue, they guide their sons, 35-year-old Brian and 30-year-old Brandon as they continue family innovations in this popular Asian-inspired restaurant. Mon Jin Lau translates as “House of 10,000 Jewels,” or it can also mean house of Mon and Jin (who was nicknamed Joe).

Asian vegetables and baby shrimp, $2.25, and BBQ ribs, $8 (half portion). Main dishes embrace Steamed Whole Fish, market price; Shrimp in Lobster sauce, $18; Pepper Steak, $16; beef or chicken Chow Fun, a stir fry of fresh rice noodles, scallions, onions, bean sprouts and chili soy, $14. Another popular noodle dish is Singapore Noodle with chicken, shrimp, red peppers, scallions, Chinese angel hair pasta, chili peppers, curry spices and bean sprouts, $16. Among Nu-Asian inspirations are appetizers such as Chili Pepper Squid, $10; Ginger Garlic Eggplant, $8 (half order); Asia Blue Crab Cakes, $10; and Peppered Tuna Tataki with seared ahi tuna, pineapple chutney, wakame salad and pickled ginger, $11. A very big seller is Sizzling Rice Soup with shrimp, chicken, Asian vegetables and crispy rice, $10. Among beef offerings is the unique Asian Filet with two types of mushrooms, roasted garlic, Chinese chives and Asian Zip Sauce, $26. Lunch Specials are day dated and well priced from $10 to $13, including two sushi options.

Generational innovation Brian, a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in business and psychology, moved to Chicago after graduation and Most popular worked in real estate, internet Hands down sushi has become tech and banking, while at the a Mon Jin Lau signature. Long same time becoming familiar lists of Nigiri and Maki sushi with the restaurant scene. Five together with combination plates years ago, Brian came home to are included on a separate Sushi work at Mon Jin Lau in promoMenu. Nu Style Sashimi is the lattions and front-of-the-house manest Nu Asian hit. Specialties agement. “I’ve been cooking include Tuna Tartar, Yellowtail since I was 12 years old,” Brian Carpaccio, Tuna Carpaccio and says. “Chicago was just jobs. Mon Tako Carpaccio range in price Jin Lau is a passion.” from $13 for small to $34 for large. Upon graduation from Many diners are attracted to Michigan State University with a Mon Jin Lau for the wines. A new degree in business, Brandon list of Marshall Chin’s favorites returned home to work in the famlaunched in September. “They’re ily restaurant. He defines his role Marshall, Brandon and Brian Chin, owners of Mon Jin Lau. tailored to the economy with byas food and wine. “It’s important Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent the-glass offerings ranging $7 to to me,” he says, “to continue fam$15 and by-the-bottle at $35 and up. Although the list ily tradition.” includes some unique varieties, “European standard variBased on his Chicago living experience, Brian immedietals are still the most popular,” Marshall points out. ately began thinking outside the box. With his “fresh eyes” he developed the patio to be more than a place to Desserts eat, but one to also hang out. Beginning at 10 p.m. on Most Asian restaurants dismiss desserts. Not Mon Jin what Mon Jin Lau calls Shanghai Wednesdays, a DJ playLau where anyone with a sweet tooth can have it satisfied ing lounge-style music has attracted young people seekwith the Ginger Crème Brulée, cheesecake or a number of ing a mid-week break. Other themed Wednesdays have classic chocolate selections, $7 to $8. also been crowd pleasers. Mon Jin Lau’s owners have resisted the temptation to open another location. “We only have the energy to do Simply different one,” Marshall concludes. “We can’t replicate Mon Jin Mon Jin Lau is different. It’s sophisticated yet casual Lau in another location. It’s one of a kind.” in an attractive setting with three slightly different seating areas: the sushi bar in the lounge; a dining area with Mon Jin Lau, 1515 E. Maple Rd. (at Stephenson Hwy.), Troy, eclectic art; and the timeless look of the bright garden 248.689.2332. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday room decorated with contemporary wall art, tropical greens and French doors that open wide in warm weath- 11 a.m.-midnight. Saturday 4-midnight. Sunday 4-11 p.m. Parking: on site. er. The huge menu spans offerings from traditional Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the Cantonese dishes from the owners’ roots to global inspi- wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for rations from the Chins' travels around the world. Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed Traditional Cantonese appetizers include egg roll with to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE he Community House is very excited to welcome Camille Jayne, our new President and CEO. Camille is originally from this area and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in business and nonprofit management. I hope you had a chance to read more about Camille Jayne joining The Community House earlier in this publication. Camille joined us in September and has been hard at work with the rest of The Community House team to bring you many outstanding programs. On Wednesday evening, October 5, 7 p.m., plan to join us for a thought-provoking discussion of Ian Ayresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-By-Numbers is the New Way To Be Smart. Can a mathematical formula find your future spouse? Would you know if statistical analysis blackballed you from a job you wanted? Ayres shows us the benefits and risks of understanding statistical analysis, who loses and who wins, and how super crunching can be used to help, not manipulate, us. Facilitator for this program is Alan Ochalek, Vice President at Comerica Asset Debbie Schrot Management. Jody Lipton, a personal injury attorney with nearly 20 years of experience handling no-fault automobile claims presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crash Course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Do You Have the Right Insurance Coverage?â&#x20AC;? on October 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. Unfortunately, most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand what their automobile insurance coverage really provides until an accident occurs. Protect yourself, your family and loved ones by finding out what those numbers on your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Auto Declarations Certificateâ&#x20AC;? really mean. On Wednesday, October 26, 7:30 p.m., Rip Rapson, President and CEO of The Kresge Foundation, will be talking about â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reimagining Detroit: The Role of Philanthropy In Changing Detroit.â&#x20AC;? We are living at a time of exciting change in our metropolitan area. The private and public sectors working together are bringing change to our riverfront, our schools, and our transportation system. This program is sponsored by Miller Canfield. There is no charge for these programs, but we would appreciate an RSVP, 248.644.5832. On October 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. our StoryTellers Guild has A Field Trip to Book Beat book store in Oak Park. Colleen Kammer, owner of Book Beat, will share her knowledge and enthusiasm for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books and then allow time for shopping. For the fifth year, The Uptown Group (TUG), a sponsored group of The Community House, will host its annual Boo Blast Road Rally on Friday, October 21. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a road rally throughout Oakland County, followed by the Boo Blast after party. The after party will include catered food, an open bar, a costume contest, live entertainment, giveaways, and much more! Honorary event chairs Jason Carr, sports announcer on 94.7 Dominski and Doyle in the a.m., and Taryn Asher from Fox 2 Detroit will also oversee the festivities. This annual event will benefit Community House programming and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Event reservations are being taken online at www.theuptowngroup.org. The Community House proudly presents the Student Our Town art exhibition for the 21st year, September 28 through October 5. The DeRoy Testamentary Foundation has supported this outreach event over the past years and it is with their help that the exceptional work of over 240 young artists (grades K-12) from area schools is on display. In addition to the exhibit,there will be four free art workshops on Saturday, October 1: Just DO IT: Self Portraits on Canvas, grades K2, 10-11 a.m.; Monster Madness!, grades K-2, 10-11 a.m.; Terrific Teepees, grades 3-5, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; and Fashion Drawing, grades 6-10, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling 248-644-5832 or online at www.communityhouse.com. The OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale returns October 13 through 15. The OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale was founded in 1986 to raise funds for Community House programming and to showcase the work of Michigan artists. The name was inspired by the original theme requirement which has since been broadened to reflect the tradition of our town as a center for culture and fine arts. Approximately 350 artworks are exhibited. This year the Opening Night Party is Wednesday, October 12 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Benefactor tickets to the Opening Night Party are $200 and Friend tickets are $75. For details check online at www.communityhouse.com. The art show and sale October 13-15 is free and open to the public, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. As you have just read, The Community House is very busy this October. Be sure to join us for a class, a trip, the art show or just stop by and say hello. Debbie Schrot is Executive Director of The Community House.

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

Links’ Jazz & Cars Under the Stars

Links’ Jazz & Cars Under the Stars The first Dream Cruise Prelude Party on our calendar – Jazz & Cars Under the Stars - was staged by the Oakland County chapter of Links, Inc. It Sally Gerak attracted more than 500 guests to the Cranbrook Institute of Science two weeks before the classics cruised Woodward. Most paused to ogle Wilbert & Diana Peagler’s 1978 Excaliber and the display of cars belonging to members of the Flaming Pistons Hot Rod Club. Nearly 175 of the guests were sponsors and VIPs who arrived early and schmoozed and sipped champagne in the main lobby. Food catered by Forte Belanger, a small silent auction, and jazz performances in five locations throughout the museum accented the party. Although it was the chapter’s first Dream Cruise -related fundraiser, it may not be the last. “I had several people ask me if it would be an annual event,” noted member Trudy Gallant-Stokes. The inaugural event raised some $50,000 for Links, Inc’s. community programming. This includes funding for Promise Zone college-bound Pontiac school children and childhood obesity reduction in the Pontiac area schools. The county chapter, with 50 members, is one of six Links chapters in southeast Michigan. Go to to learn more.

Forgotten Harvest’s Champagne Cruise Except for the inaugural Champagne Cruise at Westborn Market, when a power outage swept across Oakland County and cancelled lots of fundraising events, supporters of Forgotten Harvest have enjoyed the market’s generous hospitality the night before the cruise for nine years. More than 500 supporters of the hunger relief agency attended this year. They munched on such donated cuisine as Real BarBQ’s pulled pork sliders, Zazios heirloom tomato salad with poached shrimp and, our personal favorite, Dirty Dog Café’s braised beef and lobster corn blini, to name just three of the 11 food stations. Volunteers kept busy pouring a seemingly endless supply of donated Pommery French Champagne and Detroit Brewing Co. beer, and people polished off Blazo pies and Cupcake Station sweets with Biggy Coffee. Guests interrupted their viewing and silent auction bidding long enough for FH CEO Susan Goodell to imtroduce Maggie Allesee and Angela Banda, who had finagled some FH donations from fellow Oakland Hills golfers. Dance and listening music by Modern Tribe with Charles & Gwen Scales topped off the evening. It brought the event’s nine year total to more than $1 million.

Dream Cruise Veteran’s Reception There was serious horn honking around the Birmingham Bloomfield Piety Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s hospitality tent in front of Woodward Camera on Dream Cruise Saturday. The vantage offered VIP covered seating for veterans to view the Dream Cruise and share stories with fellow veterans. True to DAR’s primary mission – to preserve America’s patriotic heritage – they also handed out American flags, with help from some Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group of veterans supporting veterans, and invited drivers to “honk if you support our veterans.” Public radio station WRCJ 90.9’s Roger Sherman was also broadcasting from the reception and DAR member Teresse Krause’s grandson Jonathon proudly held up the sign he made. It said “Honk if you love America.” The Piety Hill Chapter with 200 members is one of the largest of the 3,000 in the nation.

1. Event sponsor Yousif (left) and Mara Ghafari of Bloomfield with Lorna Thomas & Terry Gordon of Detroit. 2. Sponsor Towers Watson’s Kerri Hartfield of Redford, sponsor Buck Consultants’ Katherine Huetter Martini & her husband Michael Martini of Milford, Kathy Littleton of Troy and Barbara Whittaker of Bloomfield. 3. Drs. Brandon (left) & Lauren Barton with event honorary cochair WXYZ’s Chuck & Trudy Gallant-Stokes of W. Bloomfield. 4. Rod Blake of Bloomfield with Kameshia Gant of Southfield. 5. Don (left) & Mary Ann Allen of Bloomfield with Roxanne & Stevie Green of Southfield. 6. Bill Offutt & Jackie Adams of Bloomfield. 7. Pascal Goachet & Julia Greer of Bloomfield. 8. Dr. Lauren Barton of W. Bloomfield and Dr. Charles Boyd of Birmingham.

Variety Cruisin’ for the Dream The wind and rain that interrupted the Dream Cruise late in the afternoon caused Cranbrook Educational Community to cancel its viewing party for major donors. When CEC chief Rick Nahm, who was directing traffic in foul weather gear, informed Maggie and Bob Allesee about the cancellation, they did a Uturn and went to Variety, The Children’s Charity’s event nearby at Northern Lakes Seafood Company. Variety planners had simply moved their party inside

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to Matt Prentice’s Deli Unique. The staff missed nary a beat and 125 Variety supporters sipped, supped, socialized and seemed to enjoy searching through the centerpieces - nostalgic candies piled into convertibles - for childhood favorites. We later learned the Mary Janes, Boston Baked Beans and candy cigarettes came from Doc’s in Clawson (). Folks also kept an eye on the Woodward cruise scene. And, when the showers stopped and the action picked up, to the curb they flocked. Thanks to support from Huntington Bank, Shuert Industries, Delta Airlines, Domino’s, Enterprise and Planning Alternatives the event raised $15,000 for Variety’s various childrenfocused charities. Women’s Automotive Art Action And still speaking of cars, 25 supporters of the Women’s Automotive Association International cocktailed at the Automotive Hall of Fame and added colorful strokes to a mural that artist Dan Cascardo created. It will be tweaked by Cascardo and made into a print to promote the upcoming Fabulous Women in Automotive event scheduled for Dec. 2 at the Automotive Hall of Fame. Among those spotted in the crowd were WAAI founder Lorraine Schultz, president Lynn Wilhelm, Chrysler retiree Betty Bright, artist Patricia Hill Burnett and Productions Plus’ Margery Krevsky. For more information about the Fabulous Women event, call (248) 390.4952. Founders Junior Council’s FASH BASH Since 1970, most years, 35 to be exact, the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Founders Junior Council has presented a fundraiser named FASH BASH. In the early years the apparel came from a mix of stores (can you say Hughes & Hatcher, Winkelman’s, Hudson’s) and were modeled by local celebrities around the swimming pool at The Pontchartrain Hotel. Not infrequently, as retired Hudson fashion director Brenda Rosenberg recalled at the 2011 event, those evenings could have been called “Splash Bash.” For some, the apex of the series may have been the years the show was a full stage production with a show business star playing to a full house (2,000-plus) at the Fox Theatre. But the current FJC leadership made a call that will forever be a high point. For the first time ever they staged the event at the DIA itself. Arriving guests fanned out to sip, nibble and socialize al fresco on the several levels formed by the museum entrance. In the bright late day sun they could choose from specialty drinks and regular downtownpublications.com

Forgotten Harvest’s Champagne Cruise

5 1. Bob Allesee (left) of Bloomfield with event co-chairs Jackie Sellers of Detroit and Mark Anusbigian of Birmingham. 2. Forgotten Harvest CEO Susan Goodell (center) of Birmingham with Maggie Allesee (left) & Angela Banda of Bloomfield. 3. Sponsor Andrews Brothers’ Jeff (left) and Herb (right) Abrash of Bloomfield with Westborn Market’s Tony Anusbigian (center) of Grosse Pointe. 4. Dr. Larry Walsh (left) & Bonnie Jobe of Bloomfield with Forgotten Harvest board chair sponsor UPS’s Jennifer Shroeger of Northville. 5. Michelle (left) & Dan Allread of Sylvan Lake, Joann & Tom Hermes of Birmingham and Lori Sandercock of Beverly Hillls. 6. Peter Glendinning (left) of E. Lansing and his son Biggby Coffee’s Joe Glendinning of Bloomfield.

6 Dream Cruise Veteran’s Reception

1. Some of the 200-plus members of Piety Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Susan Surber (left), Betty Ridan, Nancy Pavy, Audry Lambert, Christine Richman, Nancy Reed, Barbara Balow, Virginia Bennett, Pam Reed & Janet Ashley. (Far right back Roger Sherman). 2. WRCJ 90.9 FM’s Roger Sherman and DAR Piety Hill Regent Barbara Balow of Bloomfield. 3. Jonathon Krause (left) with his grandmother Teresse Krause and Janet Ashley of Bloomfield. 4. Past Piety Hill regent Virginia Bennett & her husband Richard of Bloomfield. 5. Past Piety Hill Regent Ruby Weidner and granddaughter Ruby Weidner of Birmingham. 6. Ruby, Elizabeth and Travis Weidner of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK pours. An army of Forte Belanger servers passed hors d’oeuvres like: BLLTs (pancetta, pulled lobster salad, red romaine and heirloom tomatoes on a FASH BASH-branded roll), signature pulled chicken sliders with sweet potato chips in an NM cookie bag, avocado halves stuffed with crab, cucumber gazpacho snow cones, mini tenderloin tacos and black truffle salted russet chips. “This is my swansong” said outgoing FJC president Nicole Wagner who tapped Lauren Rakolta and Lindsay Huddleston to chair the event. And what a great way to exit. All 200 of the $250 and all 300 of the $150 tickets sold out before the event. Five hundred was the max for chairs in the Great Hall bordering the runway where the Neiman Marcus fashion show was held. The biggest check writers had snack boxes (sparkling wine, truffle infused potato chips and chocolate covered pretzels) on their front row seats. Before the show Neiman Marcus manager Renee Janovsky presented thank you gifts to the honorary co-chairs: Lindsay and Jon Cotton, Nicole and Stephen Eisenberg, Beth and Michael Fisher, Carmen Harlan and Andrew Henry, Lindsay and Matthew Moroun, Marci and Time Rice. After the show, another 100-plus Fashionably Late ticket ($75) holders arrived. All danced and dished out front until past 11 p.m. The amount raised for FJC support of DIA programs is not available.

Variety Cruisin’ for the Dream

1. Event co-chair Jeffrey King (left) of Birmingham with Lucy & Ben Earl of Bloomfield. 2. Event cochair Felicia Palazzola-Shaw (left) of Birmingham with Gloria Cohen of W. Bloomfield and Colleen & Joe Newmyer of Bloomfield. 3. Ellen Leitch (left), Lisa Arnold & Mary Ellen Onis of Birmingham (with candy cigarettes). 4. Judy Solomon & Michael Bressler of Birmingham. 5. Liz Firebaugh (left) of Petoskey with Bill Mara, Michael Coyne & Jane Synnestvedt of Birmingham. 6. David King (left) of Birmingham and Mackenzie & Judy McBride of Ortonville. 7. Pamela Ayres of Bloomfield and Al David of St. Clair Shores. 8. Ken Pape of Bloomfield and Mary Vamos of Oxford.

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CRUSH Northern Michigan People are still talking about the charity party (Children’s Leukemia Foundation’s CRUSH Northern Michigan) Art Van Elslander hosted at his new Up North residence beside Bay Harbor Lake and aboard his motor yacht Pepper XIII. Committee member and interior designer Michael Coyne breathed a sigh of relief when he finished the final touches just before nearly 150 guests arrived for the fine food and fine wine experience presented by Scott Shuptrine Interiors at Art Van Furniture. The nautical but chic tented pavilion was an idyllic setting for sampling extraordinary wines paired with cuisine by Bloomfield Hills native, long of Harbor Springs Carol Costello and other area chefs. The host, who picked up all the bills, was given the 2011 CRUSH Humanitarian Award before Simon Vitale’s Band got everybody to the dance floor. The event raised more than $75,000 for Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan and will support programs and services for Northern Michigan patients and families. 10.11

Arts du Jour Charity Preview Nearly 1,100 people turned out for the charity preview of the 14th annual Arts, Beats & Eats held in the Royal Oak Farmers Market. They supped on fare served up by celebrity chefs like L. Brooks Patterson and WXYZ’s Dave LewAllen and applauded performances by such talents as guitarists Sean Blackman and Wayne Gerard. They also raised much need funds for eight charities and got in the mood for the end of summer festival presented by Citizens Bank. It closed its four-day run at 9 p.m. on Labor Day. Last year it raised more than $350,000 for charities. Preservation Bloomfield’s Corn Roast Some 300 history buffs of all ages and their friends trekked to the Bowers Farm for Preservation Bloomfield’s Sunday afternoon social in the barn yard. Some toured the Craig Log Cabin, marveling that a family with many children once occupied the single room which has a loft and a new old-looking floor, and the Barton Farmhouse, which has the beginnings of the water and heat supply lines. These are necessary for a temporary certificate of occupancy, so the entirely volunteer group of preservationists can begin interior renovations. Other diversions included wagon rides, a Native American legend keeper, the Front Enders musket loaders, face painting, the Big Chief Chorus Barbershop Quartet, Robert Dempster and Tony Bernardo’s Café Boehme music, a silent auction plus sweet corn, hot dogs and treats baked by Friends of PB. Mike Dul, Jan Roncelli and Cynthia von Oeyen chaired the event, designed to inspire donations. “By December 2012 we hope to raise $300,000 to complete the farmhouse and start our endowment. We can do it,” declared project pioneer Pat Hardy, adding, “We have raised over $500,000, and every cent has gone into both buildings and not a penny for staff.” The Corn Roast advanced the fundraising goal by $8,000. Guest House’s Detroit Bishop’s Dinner The former Scripps mansion in Lake Orion, which opened in1956 as Guest House to help clergy recover from alcoholism, staged its 53rd annual fundraising dinner at the Detroit Athletic Club. It was a homecoming for the honoree Joseph Tobin, archbishop of the titular See of Obba, Italy and Roman Curia secretary for all matters concerning religious congregations. Although the Detroit native speaks five languages, being an alumnus of Guest House he begins most public speeches as he did at downtownpublications.com

Founders Junior Council’s FASH BASH

7 1. Mike Fitzgerald & his wife event co-chair Lauren Rakolta of Birmingham. 2. Event co-chair Lindsay Huddleston & his wife Rachel of Holt. 3. FJC outgoing president Nicole Wagner (center) and her daughter Chloe of Birmingham with their house guest Na’ama Meseri (left). 4. Howard (left) & Brenda Rosenberg with Melissa & Seth Meltzer of Bloomfield. 5. Kim Reuss (left), Fair Radom, Bonnie Larson and Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. 6. Jim (left) & Patti Prowse and Lauren & Greg Fisher of Bloomfield. 7. Elyse Germack (left) of Birmingham, her mother-in-law Stephanie Germack Kerzic of Grosse Pointe and Barbra Bloch of Bloomfield. 8. Donna Yost (left) & Sandi Pape of Bloomfield. 9. Gail Rashid (left) of Bloomfield, Rachelle Nozero of Novi, Dana and Becky Sorensen of Bloomfield. 10. Susan Michaels (left) of Rochester and Connie Limia of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK the DAC: “My name is Joe and I am an alcoholic.” That many in the record crowd of 310 were familiar with the traditional Alcoholics Anonymous meeting introduction was evident when they responded in unison, “Hi, Joe.” In his speech Tobin compared the disease of addiction to leprosy - both are chronic, destroy the body and cause isolation. For his conclusion he referenced the philosopher Kierkegaard and noted that life is understood looking back but should be lived looking forward. Prior to Tobin’s award acceptance, Sister Xavier Balance, RN, MBA received an award for her stellar accomplishments in healthcare, especially as related to women recovering from addictions and Icon Dei Guild (a Guest House support group) member Carol Lakin announced the creation of a new award in honor of Cardinal Edmund Szoka. The event, which was chaired by Katie & Bill Nienstedt and Betsy & Dr. Philip Hessburg, grossed more than $80,000 to support the Guest House mission.

CRUSH Northern Michigan

2 1. Event host and honoree Art Van Elslander (center) of Bloomfield with Char VanderLaan (left) Pamella DeVos and Stacey Watt of Grand Rapids and Jessie Elliott of Bloomfield. 2. Asia Nie Prawska & David Iafrate of Bloomfield. 3. Donna & Kim Yost of Bloomfield. 4. Janet & Gary Van Elslander of Grosse Pointe.

3 Preservation Bloomfield’s Corn Roast

3 1

1. Co-chairs Mike Dul and Cynthia von Oeyen of Bloomfield (not pictured Jan Roncelli). 2. Pam Williams (left), Pat Hardy and Tressa Mucci of Bloomfield. 3. Lisa Yamin (left) of Bloomfield and Carolyn Bonanni of Grosse Pointe. 4. Café Boehme’s Robert Dempster (left) and Tony Bernardo of Bloomfield. 5. Mary Barton Jolliffe & Chuck Letts of Bloomfield. 6. Caroline Rooney (left) of Bloomfield with Cole, Kerry and Lilli Bowman of Birmingham.

Guest House’s Detroit Bishop’s Dinner

1. Event honoree Archbishop Joseph Tobin (center) of Rome, Itlay with event co-chairs Betsy (left) & Dr. Philip Hessburg of Grosse Pointe and Katie & Bill Nienstedt of Birmingham. 2. Honoree Sister Xavier Balance (left) of Farmington Hills and committee member Kay Browne of Bloomfield. 3. Fr. Ric Bass (left) formerly of Birmingham now of Harrison Twp., Archbishop Allen Vigeron of Detroit, committee member Bob Pliska of Bloomfield. 4. Terry Desmond and Grace Hoey of Bloomfield. 5. Trudy Mohan (left) of Bloomfield, Dr. Luisa Di Lorenzo of Birmingham and Greg Chancey of Grosse Pointe. 6. Icon Dei Guild members Pat Kane (left) & Julianne Roesh of Bloomfield, Berneda Hassinger of South Lyon and Winnie Wong of W. Bloomfield.

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Kadima’s Parlor Evening Doreen Hermelin’s art-filled Bingham Farms home has long been a perfect venue to have a friend-raising event, and the recent Parlor Evening for Kadima was no exception. Some 125 friends and potential supporters of the agency that serves adults and children with mental illness sipped, supped and socialized. They also heard three decidedly emotional stories. Florine Mark, who is being honored at Kadima’s 27th Annual Gala, told of the terrible life her uncle lived after a prank caused his brain to snap. Karen Sosnick Schoenberg shared her brother’s journey which was filled with anguish until he was finally diagnosed bi polar and moved into a Kadima residence. “Kadima has given me a framework for a real, loving relationship with my brother,” she confided. And executive director Janette Shallal read a moving letter from a grateful and articulate Kadima client. Most of the guests had reservations for the Sept. 13 Gala, which was expected to attract 1,000 to the Max. M. Fisher Music Center to honor Mark and to be entertained by Elon and Ari Gold. ORT’s Rub A Dub ORT’s annual Rub-A-Dub fundraiser event chairs Pam Nodel, Scott Marcus and Steven J. Tapper decided that ORT’s local generous donors were “Idols” for ORT students all over the world, so they picked a winning theme - ORT America Idol. More people than ever - 500- attended the party at Franklin Hills Country 10.11

Club. Live auctioneer Brian Hermelin got them to part with $92,000, almost double last year’s bids. The silent auction raised nearly $35,000 and the $5,000 Somerset Collection Shopping Spree raffle, won by long time ORT supporters George and Joyce Blum on their anniversary, raised $40,000. Thanks also to the ad book ($103,000-plus) and generous sponsors like LaFontaine Automotive, PNC Wealth Management, Quicken Loans, Bdirect Management, Level One Bank, Jaffe, Honigman, Somerset Collection, ABC Warehouse and Pegasus, the event grossed more than $350,000, the highest sum in the history of the event which funds the educational tools needed by people in challenging situations for a hope-filled future. Catwalk for a Cause Just before school started, Caroline Reason and Tatum Schwartz staged a fashionable fundraiser for the Christ Child Society. They recruited 26 teens from eight area high schools to strut a runway set up in the Doman family’s Troy warehouse. Each model donated $100 for a place in the spotlight. Local businesses - Donna Chisholm’s Vintage 4 Now, Complex, The Tux Shop on Woodward, Double Up, Cache, Figo hair salon and Michigan College of Beauty - provided fashions and services. The audience, 200 friends and family members, loved the kids’ very professional performance and the kids loved raising $3,100 for the Christ Child Society, which serves needy children. Cupcakes and Canvases Marian High School seniors Emma Donovan and Monica Rourke incorporated their artistic talents and desire to help abused children into a charity art class party they called Cupcakes and Canvases. The girls made the invitations, event T shirts and a mini-painting tips book with notes about CARE House, the beneficiary. More than 30 children in grades five to eight donated $45 to attend. They learned to sketch and to paint with acrylics and watercolors. They devoured refreshments including cupcakes, of course, and raised $1,800 for CARE House, which serves abused children. SAKS Blast 2011 One of the most experienced charity event volunteers among the 60 working at SAKS Blast later declared, ”I’ve never seen such a stylish crowd as that.” She referred to the 800 supporters of Karmanos Cancer Institute and Windsor’s grass roots Transition to Betterness which provides comfort and compassion for cancer patients and their families in Windsor downtownpublications.com

Kadima’s Parlor Evening

1. Featured speaker Karen Sosnick Schoenberg (left) & her husband Jeffrey of Birmingham with Gala honoree Florine Mark and Mark’s daughter Lisa (right) & Hannan Lis of Farmington Hills. 2. Event hostess Doreen Hermelin (left) of Bingham Farms with Margaret Cooney Casey & her husband Brian of Beverly Hills. 3. Kadima board president Dan Serlin of Farmington Hills with his wife Miry (left) and Phyllis Schwartz of Bloomfield. 4. Naomi & Lionel Margolick of Franklin. 5. Marjorie Saulson (left) of Franklin with Sally & Graham Orley of Bloomfield. 6. Milt Zussman (left) of Bloomfield and Jim Zack of Franklin.

4 Catwalk for a Cause

1. Event co-chairs Marian’s Tatum Schwartz and Caroline Reason of Bloomfield (thank their sponsors and committee). 2. Cranbrook’s Jeff Martin and Marian’s Caroline Reason. 3. Brother Rice’s Louie Betrus. 4. Lahser’s Riley Palmer. 5. Brother Rice’s JonJon Spangler and Marian’s Lauren Johnson. 6. Marian’s Molly Mackenzie and Seaholm’s JD Hess. 7. Groves’ Donald Desantis and Mercy’s Megan George. 8. Cranbrook’s Jeff Martin and Marian’s Caroline Reason.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK SAKS Blast 2011

1. Event chairs Stephanie & Barry Zekelman (center) of Windson, ON. with David (left) & Darcy Fischer, Jr. & David & Jennifer Fischer, Sr. of Bloomfield. 2. Peter (left) & Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake with Lil & Alex Erdeljan of Bloomfield. 3. Maddie & Sid Forbes (center) of Bloomfield with SFA GM Kim Nye (left) and her husband Dan of Troy. 4. Patty Ghesquiere (left) of Bloomfield with Dave & Kappy Trott of Birmingham. 5. Taylor & Courtney Trott of Birmingham. 6. Elliot Rosenfeld (left) with Stephanie, David & Jen Forbes of Bloomfield. 7. Julie Benjamin (left) of Oak Park with Evan & Gretchen Davidson of Bloomfield, Scott Michalski of Royal Oak and Ruthie Underwood of Birmingham. 8. Almaz Armstead (left) of Bloomfield & Margie Christopher of Birmingham. 9. Anne Adams (left) & Steve Szuch with Marc & Evyenia Jonna of Birmingham. 10. Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo (left) of Birmingham, Kathleen McCama of Livonia, Debra Ribitwer & Jackie Layne of Bloomfield.

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Essex hospitals. According to Saks’ Cheryl Hall-Lindsay, event chairs Stephanie Kasapis Zekelman and her husband, Windsor philanthropist Barry, who whisked her from Bloomfield Hills to Windsor eight years ago, can take credit for the Canadian portion of that crowd. There was certainly a high energy level during the social hour throughout the one-yearold Contemporary Collections floor where Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville chatted up guests and Forte Belanger’s high style menu offerings and full service bars satisfied cravings. Guests strolled to the tented parking structure roof for the fashion show following a brief program. It included a three-item auction that brought in $34,000, including the $18,000 that Barry Z paid for a five-team suite sports package as a tribute to his wife. Among those applauding that generosity were his in-laws Jane and Gus Kasapis, his sister-in-law Cally Kasapis Marcuson and 10 Saks executives, including president Rob Frasch who had arrived by corporate jet from NYC. Following the show, the Zekelman’s led a crowd of sponsors, including the Peter Karmanoses, David Fischers, John Rodziks, David Forbeses, Marty Komases and Dan Ormans, to the Capital Grille for a Sponsors After Blast. The evening netted more than $500,000 which will essentially be divided between Karmanos and T2B. Big Wine Classic “Rob must have been an incredible person, “said Christie Low, the first beneficiary of the R.A.S. Scholarship Fund. She was speaking at Birmingham Country Club at the sixth annual Big Wine Classic. It raises money in the name of the late Rob Schuele to “rock somebody’s world” by paying all college expenses for a student who would not otherwise be able to attend. “My world has been rocked,” declared Low, a Royal Oak native who graduated from U-M in May and got a job one month later in Madison, WI. The two other recipients – Ginni Reiter and Andrew Ferguson – also gave progress reports to their generous benefactors. Their enthusiasm and gratitude prompted sponsor Ed Shaw to observe that the fund is especially worth supporting. And the informal event is unique for combining Schuele’s love of golf and fine wine sampling. All guests - the 118 golfers and the 205 dinner guests - donate fine wines that are poured at stations grouped by categories. This year selections included such treats as 2005 Domaine du Pegau, Chateaunneuf du Pape, Rhone Valley, France and 2000 Dominus, Napa Valley, California. Not served was the undrinkable 10.11

bottle that Holiday Market’s wine consultants discovered had “corked,” much to the chagrin of the golfer who donated it. The event raised more than $100,000, which will enable the R.A.S. Fund to award another full ride scholarship next spring. Deserving students are selected with screening help from the Royal Oak Boys & Girls Club. Angels’ Place Family Fun Day It looks like supporters of Angels’ Place’s homes and programs for people with developmental disabilities have decided that the AP Family Fun Day is a great, end-of-summer substitute for the state fair. Six hundred of them turned out for food and fun on Detroit Country Day Middle School’s campus. They seemed especially to enjoy the climbing wall, the inflatables and the Coney games where everybody was a winner. They were assisted by 150 eager volunteers from three colleges, 20 high schools and five elementary schools. The event, chaired by Kathy Kupelian and Tom MacLean, netted around $35,000. The next AP event will have a decidedly patriotic theme as 93-year-old hero extraordinaire “Lucky” Louie Zemperini, subject of best seller “Unbroken”, will be the featured speaker. West Point cadet parents Barbara Sehn Day and Denice and Greg Richmond plus Mary and Jay Joliat and Brant Shuman are chairing the Annual Dinner Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Hyatt Regency. Shuman’s father served with John McCain in Viet Nam and the senator has been invited to the event. For tickets ($175, $250-patron) call AP ). The Lark’s 30th Anniversary Jim and Mary Lark celebrated the 30th anniversary of their esteemed restaurant with a salute to artist Mary’s alma mater – the College for Creative Studies. The capacity crowd devoured strolling hors d’oeuvres followed by a five-course meal prepared by former Top Chef Contestant and Chef de Cuisine John Somerville, paired with wines from the Celani Family Vineyards. Manager Adrian Lark also spoke about the extensive art collection displayed at the restaurant. It includes pieces from Michigan artists, including CCS graduate Jesse Kassel and a nude painting of Jim’s sister Betty from the old London Chop House. The event raised $9,500 to benefit CCS undergraduate scholarships and free art programs for Detroit Youth.

Big Wine Classic

downtownpublications.com

Angels’ Place Family Fun Day

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

1. Hailee (standing left), Hannah & Emma Schuele and JP Polakowski with their parents Lori & John Polakowski of Birmingham. 2. Event sponsor Planning Alternatives’ Nathan Mersereau (left) of Livonia and Ed Shaw of Birmingham with Lyle Shuert and Ren Carlton of Bloomfield. 3. Steve Eick (left) of Bloomfield, event host Talmer Bank’s Dave Provost of Birmingham and Jason Janosz of Troy. 4. Longest lady’s driver Lauren Fisher of Bloomfield with event host Holiday Market’s Tom Violante of Troy. 5. Catherine Ronnisch (left) of Birmingham, Michelle Lievois of Bloomfield, Val Gill of Rochester, Pam & Jim Szilagyi of Birmingham. 6. Karen (standing left) & Rich Brown of Northville, Arlene Pinkos of Bloomfield, Jason (seated left) & Kristin Fettig and Dennis Pinkos of Bloomfield. 7. Tom Schellenberg of Bloomfield and Sheryl Briggs of Orchard Lake. 8. Abdallah Shanti (left) of Bloomfield and Jamal Farhat of Oakland.

1. Angels Place co-founder Margaret Maxwell (left) of Birmingham with her son Paul & his wife Maggie Maxwell of Clarkston and committee member Joslin Crowe (right) of Bingham Farms. 2. Volunteers Caitlin Hannigan (left) of Birmingham and Kellie Dugan & Kaylin Meehan of Bloomfield. 3. Rick (left) Nick, Ava, Josie & Mary Beth Zelasko of Bloomfield. 4. Mia (left), Mark, Amy & Heidi Carroll of Birmingham and Mary Frasco Hughes of Beverly Hills. 5. Youngest guest, 2-week-old Danny Bielman & his mother Meghan of Birmingham.

DOWNTOWN

ENDNOTE

Return incumbents to city commission n November 8 Birmingham residents will be asked to go to the polls to choose four of their seven city commissioners. All four incumbents with terms expiring, George Dilgard, Tom McDaniel, Scott Moore and Gordon Rinschler, are running for re-election, challenged by political newcomers James Foxley, Steve Knox, Vicki Walsh and Doug Weaver. Downtown has interviewed all eight contenders on a range of pertinent issues. You can read transcripts of the interviews at our website, downtownpublications.com, and we will publish an abbreviated version of the interviews in our November issue. But we are offering our recommendations now as absentee ballots go out in the mail. Each of the current city commissioners, as we would have suspected, impressed us with their knowledge of the issues. Before becoming a city commissioner, each held some kind of committee or commission office in the city or participated in local community work, which helped prepare them for the city commission. SCOTT MOORE, a city commissioner for 12 years, particularly impressed us with not only his knowledge of Birmingham and its history, but the way he thinks an issue out thoroughly and carefully before rendering a decision. When he votes, residents understand why he has made his determination, and even if you don't agree with him on the issue, it is apparent that his decisions are analytical and fair, befitting the attorney he is. Moore is looking to the city's Rail District and Triangle District for future development, and is concerned about seniors and that young people don't have a place to go, which is why he said he voted for the now-tabled Play development in

downtown. Moore is a proven leader Birmingham needs to keep. While not one of the most vocal or animated commissioners at commission meetings, we feel the views of GEORGE DILGARD are solid and focused on the bottom line, and he should be returned for a second term. He has an MBA and is a financial analyst, which is an asset in these stillunsettled financial times. He feels it is important for Birmingham to maintain its quality level, and that the city and commissioners must be worried about the city's aging infrastructure. He is not concerned about the decline in home values and subsequent loss of revenues, noting previous city manager Tom Markus laid the framework for the city's current stability, and home values will eventually take care of themselves. He is personally a big supporter and user of public transportation, but does not feel it is currently relevant for Birmingham, and he would like the city to use bistro licenses as a development tool in the Triangle and Rail Districts. TOM MCDANIEL has served two terms as commissioner, and while at times is indecisive at meetings, is still a relevant player on the commission. He does not think there should be a limit on bistros, letting the market make that determination, and would also like to see bistros used as economic catalysts in the Triangle and Rail Districts, and that the N. Old Woodward area could likely handle another one besides Luxe and Salvatore Scallopini. He does not feel it is time yet to lift the hiring freeze at City Hall, preferring to stay the course on fiscal prudence. Current mayor GORDON RINSCHLER should be re-elected, as well. He is knowledgeable of the various governmental and social workings of

Birmingham, and was a key driver, and co-chair, in the redevelopment of the new Shain Park. In all fairness to citizens and fellow commissioners, we would suggest that perhaps he not be made mayor again, as he has had a tendency towards dismissiveness on two notable public occasions (that we saw) towards the Principal Shopping District (PSD), which the commission must work hand-in-hand with to maximize the returns of the business and retail community; and on a couple of occasions towards his fellow commissioners. Leadership is an important trait on a small board, and condescension is rude and inappropriate. We have also been concerned at times at the disorganization over who was running the commission meetings, and while well-intentioned, the lack of follow-up on certain issues. But these concerns should not preclude the electorate from returning Rinschler to a second term in office. None of the challengers convinced us to not return an incumbent to office by pointing out any reasons they were superior to any of the individuals they would replace. And it is the role of a challenger to make a strong case for replacement. Unfortunately, simply saying they would offer a “fresh set of eyes” or “new blood” is not a sufficient reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater. However, on the topic of fresh blood, we were very impressed with two challengers who we would recommend staff and the commission groom for future commission spots. JAMES FOXLEY and VICKI WALSH both impressed us with their relative youth, intelligence and insights. We suggest you find a board or commission for them to sit on, bringing them into the system now to help them learn more about city government so their fresh ideas have a place to take root.

Proactive approach to nightclub problem hile Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt emphasizes he and the other officers in his department are not in the bar and restaurant business, they are working hard to diffuse the explosive situation Birmingham is facing between nightclub owners, rambunctious patrons, and residents who have lost patience with the problems a few establishments have brought to the city. While hypothetically there can be problems anywhere, Birmingham has had its hands full with excessive police calls, assault and battery reports, public drunkenness, and other issues, including with knives and broken bottles, primarily at South Bar and Nightclub and Hamilton Room. Both establishments were warned by city commissioners in March 2011 at their annual liquor license review that their licenses would not be reviewed in 2012 if these activities continued at their places of business. Studt, deputy chief Mark Clemence and a couple other command officers have been spending

a great deal of time lately quietly meeting with these business owners to seek remedies to out-ofcontrol brawls which now veer towards deadly assaults, public drunkenness, and other poor behavior that is inconsistent with Birmingham's long-held values. The city is to be commended for its proactive approach in working to ameliorate the problems while respecting the investments the owners of South and Hamilton Room have made in Birmingham. The police have put more officers on the streets and in patrol cars at closing time, working to head off combustive situations. They have installed more security cameras, and are successfully arresting and prosecuting many accused individuals. As mayor Gordon Rinschler said, “We've gotten good at aggressive prosecution of criminal behavior. Now the city commission needs to look at more preventative measures, because reacting is a temporary response.”

We agree. We applaud the recent unanimous vote by the commission to amended two sections of a city code ordinance regarding liquor license renewals as well as the ability to revoke a liquor license based on cause. The ordinances are in compliance with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Traditionally, a liquor license could only be revoked for liquor license violations. This ordinance provides grounds for commissioners to not renew or to revoke a liquor license if there are numerous serious police calls; lack of adequate supervision; nuisance; immediate health and safety dangers; drunk and disorderly calls; assault complaints; complaints from neighbors; among other reasons. Birmingham has grown and evolved into a vibrant city with a strong restaurant and entertainment presence, but it is still a suburban retail mecca favoring boutiques and bistros over nightclubs and bars. We invite people to have fun here, but to leave it as nice as when they came.

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