GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • HEALD: DINING INNOVATION AT THE STAND
COMMON CORE FOR SCHOOLS NEW EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS HAS DETRACTORS, SUPPORTERS
HEROIN: DEFINITE RISE IN OAKLAND AMONG YOUTH AND ADULTS BENTIVOLIO: ACCIDENTAL CONGRESSMAN HAS A CHALLENGER
Michigan’s Leading Realtor City of Bloomfield Hills Vaughan Triangle on Lake Placid Over 11,000 Sq. Ft. of Custom Craftsmanship State of the Art Technology $5,670,000
City of Bloomfield East Coast Style Newer Construction Designed For Entertaining And Casual Living First Floor Owners Wing A GEM! $3,499,000
Newer Construction on Private Setting Panoramic View of Multiple Lakes Almost 12,000 Sq. Ft. Bloomfield Hills Schools $3,349,000
City Of Bloomfield Completely Renovated Wallace Frost Estate Home On Almost 3 Acres With Carriage House Walk to Cranbrook $3,299,000
Award Winning Custom Built Home With 3.5 Acres Of Professionally Designed Gardens With Water Features And Small Pond $2,900,000
Custom Built Quarton Lake Cedar Shake Home Designed And Implemented By The Most Respected Trades In The Business State Of The Art $2,250,000
City of Birmingham Custom End Unit Condo With 3 Full Floors of Luxurious Living Outdoor Terraces Ideal for Entertaining $2,195,000
Spectacular Newer Construction In Birmingham Large Living Spaces Finished Lower Level With Entertainment Amenities $1,795,000
Walk to Birmingham From This Custom 4 story Contemporary Spectacular Interior Details Rare Walk Out Lower Level With Bar 5th Bedroom And Bath $1,595,000
Bloomfield Hills Tudor Style Home With Gilbert Lake Privileges. Oversized Family Room With Bar That Looks Over Pool Bloomfield Hills Schools. $1,570,000
City Of Bloomfield Hills Sprawling Home Perched On Endicott Lake With Sunset Views Rebuilt With Open Floor Plan And Multiple Gathering Areas $1,549,000
Classic Colonial on sought after Lake Park in Quarton Lake. Renovated by Steve Templeton and Designed by Dan Clancy. Formal Rooms with a casual feel $1,390,000
Built to Suit in Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Schools Mature Setting Close to Thoroughfares $1,350,000
Solid Brick Newer Construction Designed With Soft Contemporary Features Large Open Rooms with Floor To Ceiling Windows $1,299,000
City Of Bloomfield Hills Walk To Cranbrook Educational Community Over 2 Acre Walk Out Site Ideal To Build Or Renovate $1,295,000
Lower Long Lake Lakefront On Over 1 Acre Large Home With Walk Out And Sunset Views $1,250,000
First Floor Master Suite Renovated Home Turnkey With Ideal Floor Plan Professional Gardens With Water Feature $1,249,000
City of Bloomfield Hills Over 2 Acre Site On Golf Course Large Home On Private Street $1,149,000
Bloomfield Township Home With Open Floor Plan Over An Acre Setting With Pool And Green Space $997,000
In Town Birmingham Condo Decorator Quality Interior With Hardwood Floors Outdoor Living Space. Finished Daylight Basement With Bar. $949,000
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KATHYBROOCK.COM DOWNTOWN
08.12
4th Generation Realtor Walk to Downtown Birmingham From This Custom Corner Lot Home With Daylight Finished Basement $949,000
New York Style home with fit and finish materials. Design renovation by DesRosiers architects. Situated on almost 1.4 acres including a buildable lot. $925,000
Updated Bloomfield Village Colonial Centrally Located. Formal Rooms With An Open Floor Plan. Master Wing With Large Bath And Walk-In Closet. $890,000
Bloomfield Township Gated Community Model Home With Large Formal Living Spaces Kitchen Opens For 2 Story Family Room $875,000
Quarton Lake “Gem” On Quiet Street. Complete With Formal Dining Room, Living Room, Office And Large Family Room Addition. Owners Suite! $899,000
5 Bedroom Newer Home With Open Floor Plan First Floor Owners Suite Private Setting With Walnut Lake Privilege $897,000
Spectacular Quarton Lake Colonial perched on exquisite lot. Built with the highest quality materials. Updated kitchen and baths. $895,000
Almost 8,000 Sq.Ft. Living Space Bedroom Suites First Floor Master Walkout Lower Level $804,000
Newer Construction Tudor in Oakland Township Finished walkout lower level Golf Course Views $779,000
A great opportunity in Poppleton Park. Listed at a wholesale price. Renovated,however, in need of repair. $689,000
Soft Contemporary Newer Construction On All Sports Lake With Walk Out And Boat House Southern Exposure $659,000
Rare Bloomfield Village Ranch With Updated Kitchen And Master Bath. Oversized Garage. Fabulous Gardens. $499,900
Bloomfield Township Over 1 Acre Site Bloomfield Schools An Up North Feel
K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD 248.318.4504 Sought After “Willits” Street In Downtown Birmingham. Steps From Shopping And Dining. Classic Tudor With New Kitchen And Powder Room. Charming! $725,000
City of Bloomfield Acreage Mid Century Modern Hilltop Setting Surrounded by Majestic Trees $695,000
Bloomfield Village Home Situated On A Private Setting. Fully Fenced With Professional Gardens. Formal Living Room, Dining Room And Family Room. $649,000
Cass Lake Bay Front With Sunset Views. Soft Contemporary With New Granite Kitchen. Master With Marble Bath. Open Floor Plan. $599,000
KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM
kathybroock.com
275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009
$359,000
OVER 45 MILLION SOLD YEAR TO DATE
downtownpublications.com
DOWNTOWN
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Heroin use increasing Oakland County is experiencing an increase in heroin use and it is taking hold among younger adults and teenagers.
CRIME LOCATOR
14
Common Core debate
Righting the GOP
The latest evolutionary change in education is Common Core, which has its supporters and detractors.
Kerry Bentivolio, often referred to as the “accidental congressman”, has a GOP challenger David Trott.
FOCUS ON WINE
92
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
FACES
After making red wine all day, Robert Foley of the Robert Foley Vineyards lusts for something easy to drink and preferably unoaked.
AT THE TABLE
94: Jim Benton
93
CITY/TOWNSHIP
SOCIAL LIGHTS
18: Drew Machak
41: Annie Margulis
55: RJ King
85: Greg Schwartz
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Baldwin planning moves ahead; cemetery contract criticized; new eatery for South location; attacking Quarton lill pads; protester lawsuit settled; begging ordinance repealed; plus more.
BUSINESS MATTERS
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For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.
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Greenwood Cemetery in Birmingham on Oak Street just west of Old Woodward, established in 1825, is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in Michigan. Downtown photo/Austen Hohendorf.
DOWNTOWN P
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DOWNTOWN • WESTEND • BLACK BOOK • THE GUIDE 124 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM MI 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications • twitter.com/downtownpubs
Publisher: David Hohendorf Ad Manager: Jill Cesarz Ad Sales: Matthew Swigart Graphics/IT Manager: Chris Grammer News Editor: Lisa Brody
News Staff/Contributors: Allison Batdorff, Rachel Bechard, Hillary Brody, Kevin Elliott, Sally Gerak, Eleanor & Ray Heald, Austen Hohendorf, Garrett Hohendorf, Kathleen Meisner, Laurie Tennent
DOWNTOWN
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
THE COVER
Lark & Co; Grape Vine Market & Liquor; Laurie Tennent; Bella Belli Maternity; Neighborhood Pro Hardware; BoConcept; plus more.
DISTRIBUTION: Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies are distributed at high foot-traffic locations.
The Stand in Birmingham is marked by innovation, both on the food side and appearance of the new restaurant.
The Common Core curriculum makes common sense; Birmingham is right to outsource cemetery services.
INCOMING: We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
10.13
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROSSE POINTE
PRESENTS
Fall 2013 Stock Show for Immediate Sale Meet Ramy Sharp Thursday, October 10 12-6 Bloomfield Hills
Fall Jewelry Collection Personal Appearance Thursday, October 10 12-6
A Portion of proceeds from this event will benefit 2013 Committee
Joanne Aronovitz Lauren Bienenstock Courtney Colton
Lindsey Dembs Wendy Eisenshtadt Renee Erlich Niki Fink
BLOOMFIELD HILLS NEXT TO LEE’S SPECIALTY
4076 W MAPLE RD 248.594.8181
Stephanie Freedman Jennifer Gilbert Sonia Gonte Susan Gordon
Andrea Jacobson Danialle Karmanos Sherri Ketai Dana Loewenstein
she-stores.com
Lisa Pernick Deborah Rosenthal Leslie Ruby Cathy Schwartz
Andrea Siegel Carolyn Werner Stacey Wittenberg Kelly Victor
GROSSE POINTE IN THE VILLAGE
16888 KERCHEVAL PL 313.571.3365
Birmingham FootCare Specialists Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot
your complete foot care facility ingrown and fungus nails TOPAZ and PRP Injections preventative foot care out-patient surgery diabetic foot care diabetic ulcers diabetic shoes heel pain warts 600 North Old Woodward Avenue Suite 202 Birmingham, MI CALL
248-594-3338 Same Day Appointments Available
Peter E. Schaffer, D.P.M. Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Surgery
DMC Physician Most medical insurance accepted
Detroit Country Day School provides its students with a well-rounded liberal arts education that is nationally recognized for a tradition of excellence in academics, athletics and the arts.
LOWER SCHOOL:
JUNIOR SCHOOL:
Pre-K3 – 2nd grade 3003 West Maple Rd 248.430.2740
3rd – 5th grade 3600 Bradway Blvd 248.430.1074
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
UPPER SCHOOL:
6th – 8th grade 22400 Hillview Ln 248.430.3655
9th – 12th grade 22305 West 13 Mile Rd 248.646.7717
www.dcds.edu
Visit our Open House on Sunday, October 27 • 1-3 p.m.
I CAN
DG
SELL YOUR HOME & FIND YOUR DREAM HOME
DAN GUTFREUND R E A L
SKBK
E STAT E
SP EC IA LIST
A passion for finding your dream home
415 S. Old Woodward
248.731.1030
Birmingham, MI 48009
dan@skbk.com
ECHO ROAD - BLOOMFIELD TWP
$939,000
Welcome to this magnificent contemporary nestled in a private setting on exclusive Echo Road. This home is replete with high quality finishes from the door hardware to the Gourmet kitchen. Large windows and skylights throughout shed natural light into every room. With almost 5500 sq ft above grade and a complete walk-out lower finished level with nearly 3000 sq ft, this 6 bedroom home is perfect for entertaining friends, a large family, in-laws or guests. Each bedroom suite is large in size. There are 5 outdoor decks, 3 fireplaces, a 4 bay-6 car garage and many more features to enjoy.
WESTVIEW - BLOOMFIELD TWP.
$549,000
Character describes this spacious home with Bloomfield Hills Schools. Walk into the light-filled open foyer, living room with vaulted ceilings and separate dining room. The large kitchen opens to the family room. Walkout to the backyard deck that is nestled in the lush gardens. All bedrooms are large. First floor laundry, 3 car attached garage and circular driveway.
LAKEVIEW - BIRMINGHAM
$860,000
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3500 sq ft, 4 bed, 2.1 bath, in-town residence. It comes complete to include a gourmet kitchen, large family room, large bedrooms with a first floor guest suite. Master bedroom has a walk-in closet with a beautifully appointed Carrera white marble bath, separate shower and deep soaker tub. This home has an extended 2 car attached garage with a large bonus room above. Walk to downtown, Quarton Lake, Booth Park and Holy Name.
DG
E. LASALLE AVE – ROYAL OAK
$229,000
Walk into this colonial home located near parks and schools and everything Royal Oak has to offer. Features of this home include: 3 bedroom with a possible 4th off the master, 1.1 baths, gourmet granite kitchen with Subzero fridge & double wall oven. Screened in patio, updated Anderson windows, lots of living space, partially finished basement. Brand new 2 car detached garage. This one won’t last long!
BATAVIA – ROYAL OAK
$229,000
Walking distance to everything Royal Oak has to offer, this 3 bedroom colonial home has been updated and maintained impeccably. Hardwood flooring throughout, open flow from the living room, dining room, and family room. Beautifully kept landscaped gardens, a fenced in backyard, back deck for outdoor entertaining.
DAN GUTFREUND RE AL
SKBK
E STAT E
SP EC IA LIS T
A passion for finding your dream home
415 S. Old Woodward
248.731.1030
Birmingham, MI 48009
dan@skbk.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER
T
he October issue you now hold in your hands represents a milestone of sorts for Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield. Three years ago this month we produced our first issue of Downtown, our monthly newsmagazine for the local area and it goes without saying that the last few years have been busy for those of us at the publishing group in Birmingham. When we launched Downtown in the fall of 2010 we hoped then to produce a newsmagazine each month containing coverage of local government news, updates from the business community, along with personality profiles and reporting on the social scene from the world of non-profit organizations that are such an important part of the fabric of life in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. We also felt it was important to tackle important issues facing local residents and to do so in long-form journalism style which allows for more in-depth discussion of topics, an approach that most publications abandoned in past years. Downtown has also been driven by the traditional belief that print products should also fulfill the traditional role as a watchdog of the government on behalf of local residents. Besides concerning ourselves with being good journalists and story tellers, we also felt that any publication should serve as an added voice of opinion on current issues, which we do each month in the Endnote page at the back of each edition. Gone are the days when any print product can by itself set the agenda on local issues, but philosophically we felt a legitimate publication must lend its voice to the debate on community concerns. Our efforts starting in 2010 hit a responsive chord. Through letters and e-mails from our readers, phone calls, and personal encounters, local readers still continue to provide feedback – mostly supportive – of our efforts. We have found this most reassuring because one of our goals was to help foster a dialogue in the local communities, so your reaction
to what we produce has helped us stay on top of our game and the issues in the local area. We also take great personal pride in the fact that we have developed a reputation as being the dominant news medium for the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Each month we think we produce a news product unlike anything else in this area and on many issues affecting local residents, often times before our competitors Our efforts have also extended beyond the print version of our newsmagazine with our website, downtownpublications.com, where we generally have in the neighborhood of 30,000 visitors each month as we update our site twice each week, and more often when breaking news dictates. And we continue to extend our brand of journalism through our Facebook page, facebook.com/downtownpublications, and through Twitter (twitter.com/downtownpubs). Of course, all of this is made possible through the support of the business community which backs us with advertising in both the print edition of Downtown and our online offerings. We were fortunate in 2010 to have the backing of a number of key business leaders who saw a need for our newsmagazine and that support has continued to grow in the last several years, driving the size of the publication to as many as 152 pages at times. Yet, while we take comfort in our success, we still continue to concern ourselves with improving our product each month, knowing that we have a demanding audience that requires no less if we are to remain the essential information source for the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. As always, I welcome your feedback.
David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
RED PASSION A NEW COLLECTION OF VIBRANT COLORED GEMSTONES, ACCENTED WITH CLASSIC DIAMONDS
Prices from $975
248.644.1651 | 120 W. MAPLE | DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
Creative Jewelers
HOURS: MON - SAT 10 - 5:30 | THURS 10 - 8 | ASTREINS.COM
CRIME LOCATOR
NORTH
Map key
Sexual assault
Assault
Murder
Robbery
Breaking/entering
Larceny
Larceny from vehicle
Vehicle theft
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, 2013. Placement of codes is approximate.
available at
A Touch of Lace 4036 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 phone: 248.645.5223 | fax: 248.645.5227 email: atouchoflace@aol.com | atouchoflace.com Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evenings and weekends available upon request
FACES
Drew Machak
I
f Andy Warhol's prediction for the future was correct when he said that everyone would be famous for 15 minutes, then Bloomfield Township musician Drew Machak is using each second to his advantage. "I got about two seconds of air time," Machak chuckled when describing his appearance on season 10 of of the hit Fox show American Idol. "I was still in the beginning of what I wanted to do for a solo sound, but it was nice to get a little affirmation. It was surreal. I got almost no feedback. No criticism, nothing." While the appearance didn't land Machak a recording contract as the nation's next superstar, he did make it to the next round of competition in Hollywood. Performing, however, isn't new to the musician, who started playing and performing at an early age. "I've been playing my whole life," said the 23-year-old Detroit Country Day School graduate. "I used to do kinder music, then I started playing piano. I did a lot of theater in high school. It's always been a part of my life. I can't imagine doing anything else. It just feels right. The stage is like another extension of myself." Machak has performed at Arts, Beats and Eats, the Detroit Freedom Festival and has had feature performances on WDET radio and FOX 2 News. His music was featured in the film "Myth of the American Sleepover," and he was a 2010 Battle of the Bands champion at Michigan State University.
Currently, Machak is recording his own music and playing gigs in the Detroit area and East Lansing, including the MGM Grand casino, Toast in Birmingham, and other local venues. Machak described his latest endeavors as a blend of blues and jazz with vocals similar to a darker version of Jack Johnson. He is also working on releasing a new album in November that he's recording with other Detroitarea artists at Rustbelt Studio in Royal Oak, which will be an acoustic-based recording with piano. "I love the Michigan music scene," he said. "Everyone is recording, producing or playing music. The Michigan scene is a little different than others, but there is a place for everyone. It's sort of like the Detroit artist's thing is being involved in many different products. I'm in a rock band as well, Vandalay." In terms of his own influences, Machak said his tastes are pretty scattered, ranging from the Beatles and The Doors to Esperanza Spalding and Janelle Monae. "The next project I have coming up is about love," Machak said. "A personal favorite of mine, which isn't out yet, is called Every Single Day. It kind of has a hook where I fall in love every single day with the girls who love the sun and the boys who come to play." Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
COMMON CORE PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE BY LISA BRODY AND KEVIN ELLIOTT
E
ducation is an evolution. Once, it was believed the best way to teach students was through rote repetition and memorization. A specific curriculum was mandated throughout school districts, homogenizing them, and included classic literature, mathematics, basic science, some language skills, including Latin, physical education, and art. There was usually home economics for girls in high school, and shop for boys. Then the 1960s and 70s hit, and education, and the research of how students learn, began to change. “New math� was introduced, which was a brief, dramatic change in the way mathematics was taught in American elementary schools. Educators stressed that it was important to introduce new math early so that students could easily cope with more advanced mathematic theorems. Yet there were many parents and teachers who really hated new math, contending that the curriculum was too far outside of students' experiences, parents didn't understand how to do it and couldn't help them with their homework, and teachers claimed it put heavy demands on them to both learn and then teach it. English classes also changed, with the classics morphing into more contemporary literature, from phonics to a whole language approach to teaching reading in the 1980s and 1990s, a literacy philosophy which emphasizes that children should focus on meaning. Once again, some parents and educators objected to this educational approach, asserting that students could not read well, spell, had lost grammatical ability, and did not know classical literature. No Child Left Behind in 2001 brought a resurgence of interest in phonics, and like other educational trends, in the 2000s whole language receded as a dominant reading model.
HEAD INTO FALL IN STYLE.
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BIG GAME THE
October 4 – 5 Jack Victor October 11– 12 David Donahue October 18 –19 Hiltl, Bills Khakis October 25– 26: Samuelsohn Custom Clothing, Measure Up Custom Shirts
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DOWNTOWN
10.13
No Child Left Behind brought back standards-based education, with assessments for basic skills. While the act did not establish a national achievement standard, in order for states to receive federal school funding, they had to give all students these assessments at select grade levels. Which leads us to today, where 45 states, including Michigan, have adopted the Common Core for reading, math and writing standards. Like other educational developments, it too, is facing supporters, dissenters, controversy, and calls in the state's legislature to prohibit funding it in educational budget appropriations despite Gov. Rick Snyder's support. “Content area standards are not new. These standards have been in place for a decade and a half. What was found was that we had too many standards, they weren't rigorous enough, and they weren't clear cut enough,” explained Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Nerad. “There were calls for higher standards in the nation's schools, and a clear call for students to be more internationally competitive.” The K-12 Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were developed through a state-led initiative coordinated by the National Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers, representing superintendents from across the country, and according to the Michigan Department of Education, participating states, including Michigan, worked with them alongside a wide range of educators, content experts, researchers, national organizations, and community groups. In 2009, the National Governors Association, a bipartisan but primarily Republican organization, hired Student Achievement, a non-profit organization that assembles educators and researchers, to write curriculum standards in literacy and mathematics instruction after a 2004 report titled “Ready or Not: Creating a High School Diploma That Counts” found that employers and colleges are demanding more of high school graduates than in the past, and that many high school grads were not prepared for college. The National Governors Association initiative's stated purpose was explicit: “to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills our young people need for success in college and careers.” The goal was clear cut. To place American students in a position in which they can compete effectively in a global economy. “The Common Core State Standards were developed by states, for states, to provide a consistent set of clear K-12 expectations that outline the knowledge and skills students need in English, language arts and mathematics to lead to career and college readiness. Prior to the CCSS, every state had their own unique standards. As a result, what students are expected to learn varied widely from state to state,” according to the Michigan Department of Education. “The CCSS does not represent a curriculum; instead they serve as a framework around which a curriculum can be built. This common platform provides states opportunities for providing the necessary curricular resources to local education entities. The standards also support collaboration in building state-of-the-art assessment systems required by school and educator accountability legislations. The standards promote equity by ensuring all students, no matter where they live, are well prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete with their peers in the United States and abroad.” As of fall 2013, 45 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and numerous private and parochial schools across the country have adopted the Common Core, including Michigan. Only Texas, Virginia, Alaska, and Nebraska haven't adopted it; Minnesota has adopted the English language arts standards, but not the mathematics standards. Despite misinformation to the contrary, the federal government has been completely uninvolved in the development and implementation of CCSS. It has been a state-led and state-driven initiative from the beginning, led first by the National Governor's Association, and then by state educational leaders. Standards for CCSS were not developed or mandated by the federal government, either under former President George W. Bush or President Barack Obama, but by the NGA Center for Best Practices, which copyrighted them, along with the Council of Chief State School Officers. The NGA Center said the copyright ensures that the standards will be consistent nationwide, and have international benchmarks. The copyright is waived for State Departments of Educations as long as the state using it is in support of the standards, and only if the state has adopted the standards “in whole”. The effect of the copyright and public licensing to states creates a consistency across the states; because the standards can't be changed or modified, in essence it creates a national curriculum of standards which local districts then customize into their own curriculum.
By and large, teachers and other educator are pleased with CCSS. The American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of English, and other organizations have all endorsed and supported CCSS. Michigan first adopted CCSS by the State Board of Education in June 2010, and began implementing it in the 2010-2011 school year, with full implementation to be complete by the 2014-15 school year. “We are competing with China and Iowa. It's based on the needs of Michigan students and educators. Michigan participated in the development and validation of the standards,” said Michigan school superintendent Mike Flanigan. “It's absolutely efficacious,” said Delia DeCourcy, literary consultant for Oakland Intermediate Schools, who got involved with Common Core work when she was teaching writing at University of Michigan and kept discovering students were not well prepared for college. She then did a workshop with Oakland Intermediate School District to discuss college preparatory work, looking at the standards for K-12 students, “and I ended up writing nine units of the English curriculum for middle schools. I'm a big believer in Common Core standards and curriculum. “It's a big shift for teachers,” she continued. “Students work much more independently and take more responsibility for their own learning and their work. They learn to ask more questions and to think more critically. I'm finding that teachers are very excited by how engaged their students are.” “It's a shift from previous content expectations. These standards utilize modeling and relevant educational and real life applications,” said Heidi Kattula Ed.D., director of learning services for Bloomfield Hills Schools. Director of Learning Services at Oakland Intermediate Schools Michael Yocum, who also serves on the county's Common Core Standards Initiatives Steering Committee, said the intermediate district worked with school districts in the county to develop ELA (English Language Arts) and math curriculum materials that would be in line with CCSS, which has since been made available to districts to be used as a framework or complete curriculum they may choose to implement. The materials were drafted, tested and revised by more than 2,000 teachers and administrators over a three-year period before being finished in August and made available to districts. “There is no specific, mandated curriculum. No one is saying you have to use these books. The curriculum we wrote as an ISD are generic enough a teacher can choose their own books and tools,” DeCourcy explained. “It creates a very student-centered classroom with more more discussion in the classroom. There's no more 'sage on the stage.' It's learning by discovery, how you learn in the real world. Administrations are overwhelmingly positive and excited to provide professional support for it.” "We can put the curriculum materials into Rubicon Atlas, and in a sense, push it out to the districts," Yocum said. "Some (districts) copy it right into their curriculum and others make changes. It's a significant amount of money they are saving because they have a whole curriculum to work from. They are now heavily involved in that curriculum implementation." Local districts are quick to point out that CCSS isn't a specific curriculum that must be used by all districts, but rather a set of standards that incorporates teaching methods and best practices. The standards also require districts to use benchmark assessments, such as tests, which are written in line with the Common Core standards. In Michigan, that will mean the eventual phasing out of current MEAP and MME and transitioning into a new set of state assessments based on CCSS. DeCourcy explained that Michigan is part of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, which has been creating and piloting computeradaptive tests. “They are different from the MEAP test. They require deeper thinking than current standardized tests,” she said. “Students watch videos and answer questions, they answer multi-part questions, and they write essays, all on computers. They have to think more critically. The concern is mostly about getting kids accustomed to computer screen testing.” Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for Birmingham Public Schools Joe Hoffman noted that “Common Core is a guide for what students should be learning, not a curriculum. In Birmingham, we've passed the standards through a 'Birmingham lens', determining how to transform that into a teachable curriculum. What that does for us is determine which standards to spend more time on and which standards to spend less attention with. We've determined that not all Common Core standards are created equally. We want our students to get a Birmingham education, not a Common Core education. In many areas, we already go above and beyond the standards. In others, such as our resources and textbooks, we determined we had too many gaps, and we spent time the end of the last school year and this summer consensus building for two new text book series for mathematics.”
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Erin Keating DeWald • One of SKBK/Sotheby's Top Producers • Featured in HOUR Media's 2013 Metro Detroit Real Estate All Stars • Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills Born And Raised
A love of the business, growing up in the area, persistence and success in an unpredictable market, Erin has come full circle to give her clients a fresh approach in a new market. ErinKeating-Dewald.skbk.com 28
248-259-3544 DOWNTOWN
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Lisa McFee, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment at years to revise curriculum to be aligned with CCSS, including how they assess Waterford Schools, said the district is following the framework established by students. Oakland Intermediate Schools. "We have been working on having multiple ways to assess student learning," "Mostly, it's about instruction and best practice," said Lisa McFee, director she said, "not just traditional multiple choice, but having project-based learning of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Waterford School District. "Most by having application-based questions that align with the Common Core of that is stuff that we have been tying into our curriculum for a long time standards and their application to the real world. It's not just memorization of now. We have been working with Oakland Schools to make sure that teachers facts." are teaching to high levels of accountability and standards, and getting Coratti said Oakland Schools has been helping develop instruction units that students to learn how to learn, which is a big focus of best practice." support the CCSS so teachers may use them as references, as opposed to having McFee said the Waterford district will continue to use MEAP tests until the each district create new instructional units on their own. "They have also been state mandates a new assessment method. doing training sessions so that people understand the 'why' behind the Common Walled Lake Schools Executive Director of Assessment, Instruction and Core," she said. Technology Mark Hess said the district plans to start transitioning to a new Yocum said Oakland Schools brought in school building leaders from districts state test assessment next school year. The new tests, he said, will be more to discuss how to lead their staff in implementing the new standards in a way aligned to Common Core standards. that will raise student achievement across the entire curriculum. One challenge, "We are required to administer the MEAP test, which has been around for which he said has long been an issue teachers try to address, is how to about 30 or 35 years, and that's administered in all grades three through nine, approach the special needs of students. and in grade 11 they take the "You have a very diverse Michigan Merit Exam. All that range of students with a lot of is about to change," Hess said. different learning needs. That's Michigan School Accountability Scorecards "The MEAP and MME have always a challenge of teaching, The Scorecards for schools and school districts replace Michigan's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) been aligned to state and Common Core is more report cards that were required under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, but are not part of the standards; this is the final year demanding and rigorous than Common Core, as it will not be implemented until at least 2015. for that. Beginning next year, what we had before. They will Scorecards use a color coding system: Green: attain 85 percent or greater of possible points; Lime: attain at least 70 percent but less than 85 percent of possible points; Yellow: attain at least 60 percent we will transition to a new set be pretty rigorous assessments," but less than 70 percent of possible points; Orange: attain at least 50 percent but less than 60 percent to state assessments. Those Yocum said, adding that he of possible points; Red: attain less than 50 percent of possible points. – Compiled by Kevin Elliott are all based on Common Core anticipates test scores to dip standards." during the initial Oakland School officials and implementation. "They are other educators in Michigan are pretty demanding performance working with the Smarter tasks that involve a lot of Balanced Assessment multistep problems with a Consortium (Smarter Balanced) significant amount of writing to "develop next generation and problem solving." AVONDALE assessments that accurately One of the strengths of the BERKLEY measure student progress Common Core standards, toward college and careerYocum said, is that they were BIRMINGHAM readiness." The consortium is developed by a huge BLOOMFIELD HILLS one of two multi-state consortia consortium of states working BRANDON that has received federal together which provided very funding to develop an clear targets in comparison to CLARENCEVILLE assessment system aligned to various state standards CLARKSTON the Common Core Standards by throughout the nation. the 2014-15 school year. "There's a much more CLAWSON "Smarter Balanced carefully articulated progression FARMINGTON assessments will be given at of learning across grade levels," FERNDALE the state level, and districts will he said. "In other words, the get a better vision of what that expectations of second grade HAZEL PARK looks like as we get closer," math in this particular topic HOLLY Yocum said, adding that weekly progress appropriately, for HURON VALLEY or daily assessments are also instance. Being able to track part of curriculums aligned to through the curriculum will be LAKE ORION CCSS. "Districts will try to helpful to districts because it LAMPHERE create their own assessments in will allow for rich conversations their districts that mirror that, across grade levels in where MADISON so their kids are ready for the there is learning and what the NOVI demands of the new tests. needs are." OAK PARK We've built some of those Another step forward, he assessments into the said, is that CCSS require OXFORD curriculum over the past few students to work with more PONTIAC years." informational texts, which will Hoffman said in Birmingham need to be utilized to form and ROCHESTER they are not discounting any of support their work, projects and ROYAL OAK the standards when it comes to test answers. Under CCSS, SOUTH LYON the testing, as he believes informational texts must consist Birmingham students will be of 50 percent of all texts that SOUTHFIELD well prepared in all English, students read in elementary TROY language arts, and mathematic school, with literary texts WALLED LAKE areas for the assessments. making up the other 50 percent. Huron Valley Schools Deputy The percentages change in WATERFORD Superintendent of Instruction middle school to 55 percent WEST BLOOMFIELD Nancy Coratti said the district informational texts, and 70 has been working for several percent in high school.
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Requirements of informational texts are one of six major shifts from previous state standards in Michigan in English and language arts and literacy and eight points in mathematics required in order for curriculums to be aligned with CCSS in terms of curricular materials and classroom instruction. Additional changes include an increase in writing from sources for students to respond to ideas, events, facts and arguments presented in texts they listen to and read; increased literacy instruction in all content areas; more text-based answers; an increase in academic vocabulary; and increased text complexity. Because there is an increased focus on literature, such as stories, drama and poetry, in later grades, as well as literary non-fiction, a great deal of informational reading in grades 6-12 must take place in other classes, according to the national Assessment Governing Board. While much of the focus of CCSS has focused on the method of teaching, the shifts indicate districts may have to realign what is being taught and where. "It will change what's being taught. There will be more clear indications for that grade level, but the way you approach that instructionally will make a difference as to those kids who are ready to have the opportunity to move ahead," Yocum said. "It doesn't dictate a type of instruction, but the standards won't hold you back from helping students move ahead more rapidly." For instance, Yocum said if a math class is focusing on fractions, the standards will allow teachers to assess student needs and provide more help to those students who need it or more elaborate, multi-layered projects to those who are performing at more advanced levels. "The notion that every student in a class of 35 kids is going to be in the same spot isn't going to happen, and it shouldn't happen," he said. "The targets are very clear, and that's important with standards. Unlike state standards, there's a much more carefully articulated progression of learning across grade levels," Yocum said. "In other words, the expectations of second grade math in this particular topic progress appropriately. Being able to track results through the curriculum will be helpful to the districts because it will allow for rich conversations across grade levels in where there is learning and what the needs are." Ultimately, local districts will still determine what literature is read in classes and how they meet literacy standards across the curriculum. Teachers and administrators in the Walled Lake district are currently looking at how best to integrate new requirements into their lesson plans. "Traditionally, reading, writing and speaking was focused on literature classes," Hess said. "In Common Core, it's emphasized across all classes. Students will write more and there will be less multiple choice. Instead of selecting A,B,C or D for an answer, they will have to articulate their answer. That's a big change for us. The integration of the studies, how the arts, science and humanities connect, teachers are looking at that and working together. It's a more comprehensive approach to educating." Bloomfield Hills' Kattula said CCSS falls in line with other curricular efforts the district has implemented in recent years, such as International Baccalaureate and visible thinking. “Teachers are pleased with the richness, relevance and rigor because Common Core adds that depth of understanding we've been doing with IB and visible thinking, which we've had at Way and Eastover elementaries. Within IB and visible thinking, we have put a lot of emphasis on inquiry thinking, where we're constantly pushing students to deepen their understanding to use it to apply to real life. In Common Core, there may be less topics but there is a greater depth of student thinking.” Kim Root, director of communications for Huron Valley Schools, said while many parents have questions about CCSS, most are simply trying to find out more about what it means. "They want to know really what it is," she said. "We talk about it in education and we talk about things in academic terms, and one of the things I always talk to our folks about is making sure it translates for the parents whose child is going to be educated in a Huron Valley School." Coratti said parents appear to be receptive once they learn what the CCSS means to their children's education. "When their kids are enthusiastic because they are more involved in projectbased learning and to what they're doing in school relates to the real world, and they see their kids happy, then parents are very understanding. I think what the Common Core is trying to accomplish is based on sound teaching and learning principles, so I think all schools will be working on this in different ways." Jim Cipielewski, associate professor at the School of Education and Human Services at Oakland University, has mixed feelings about Common Core. “There's a lot of very good ideas with Common Core, especially if it's looked at as goals for our children, and not limited to just the standards on the paper. But it can be narrowed down too much. Teachers can just teach to the test, and then you're not really educating, you're just teaching how to take a test.
“I'm particularly frightened when (districts) have texts that are meant to be exemplary and using the texts as the only one, rather than as an example of a text,” he continued. “You have to create readers and have a variety of texts. They do not have to be the same across a classroom, a school, or a district, especially since one of the values of Common Core is the interdisciplinary analysis of texts as they look for commonalities.” There are disagreements about Common Core in Michigan's state legislature, as state representatives and senators are currently debating whether to halt implemention, and whether or not to fund it through the state's education budget, which should be done by October 1. There's a lot at stake for Michigan, which could affect a waiver in complying with strict rules on No Child Left Behind law; for state and local school districts, which have been investing considerable time and money aligning curriculums with the new standards, training educators and upgrading technology; and students, whose college-preparedness could be held hostage. Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) said that he sits on the K-12 appropriations committee in the state Senate, and “It is my understanding of Common Core that it is an upgrading of the standards already in place. It was led by the Republican governors, and begun at a governor's conference. Now there are people who are concerned about it, and that's OK, we'll deal with it. It's a little early to be concerned about the curriculum, which is focused on critical thinking. I'm impressed it's something we did right by adopting it.” Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, West Bloomfield), said that while he hasn't had time to study the whole issue, he noted that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has been a big proponent of Common Core. “Like a lot of conversations, there have been a lot of urban legends about it,” he said. “I'm going to wait and see. But math does not lie. One plus one always equals two.” State Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield) said, “The Tea Party isn't going to like it, but I'm going to support Common Core. It's a basic skill set for K-12. It's based on ability, and not everyone is at the same place in the same class. A quarter of what kids learn are dealt with in Common Core – it's skill sets for our kids in English and math. “I wrote all of my superintendents and asked them if they supported Common Core, and they all do,” McCready said. “I have to listen to my educators and the superintendents in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield all support it. I have to support my district, and not the Tea Party. The Tea Party said get rid of it but they don't have anything to replace it. They said they want to because it's a federal program and they want local control. It's not a federal program, and we do have local government control. And we have the best performing schools in the state. End of story.” Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Rochester) is actively opposing Common Core, sponsoring House Bill 4276 which would have Michigan opt out of the Common Core curriculum and deny its funding. “Before Common Core, we owned the discussions. With Common Core, we don't. We don't make the decisions. I oppose Michigan having their state rights, their authority taken away from them,” he said. McMillin claimed the standards “are not all that good. We don't know how they'll change down the road. Shouldn't we have more flexibility here in Michigan, rather than the National Governor's Association in Washington D.C.? And adaptive testing is confusing on computers. You must type. Lots of kids don't know how to type. We aren't even teaching because we don't have the money, so teachers are teaching what's on the test.” On the other hand, he did say that local school districts can implement whatever parts they want whenever they want. He did not provide examples to substantiate any of his claims. “For these politicians to now be questioning if we should have these standards, I worry that they're the same politicians who complain about our students not being globally competitive,” Birmingham's superintendent Dan Nerad pointed out. “I believe in our superintendents. They're excellent, and I need to listen to them,” McCready said. “When the teachers come to you and tell you they like it, I have to listen to them. They're right on the front lines, and they think it's making our kids college eligible.” “Common Core gives kids different formulas to get to two. Kids aren't widgets. They all learn at different rates. Teachers constantly have to be creative,” Kowall pointed out.
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t's a dangerous secret that goes unacknowledged in even the most private of relationships. While teens may boast about smoking pot, and many parents will concede their kids smoke or drink while they're still underage, heroin use isn't something that friends, or even relatives, recognize or discuss. And those missing prescription pills? Probably misplaced. Except they likely weren't misplaced, but taken out of bathroom medicine cabinets and drawers by teens and young adults seeking an easy high, who then move on to the latest “in� drug, heroin, which when used creates a state of transcendental relaxation and intense euphoria. The problem is, it is highly addictive. There has been a marked increase in heroin use in Oakland County, where the drug was the primary substance being abused by 26 percent of all people who received some form of service for addiction in 2012 from the Michigan Department of Community Health, second only to alcohol. Once only
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associated with street junkies and strung-out musicians, more and more teens and young adults are smoking, snorting or injecting heroin, and it has made its way into some of the county's most affluent suburbs, according to court, health and law enforcement officials. Yet, despite the apparent knowledge of an ongoing rise in heroin use in the area, discussions at the local law enforcement level often parallel that of parents, and don't always reveal the burgeoning problems in a community. As in, it couldn't be happening here, not to our kids. "Luckily, we haven't seen a big increase in this city," Bloomfield Hills Police Chief David Hendrickson said. "Heroin is a big thing right now in surrounding cities. So far, when we run across it, it's usually during traffic stops, on Woodward usually, and they usually aren't our residents." Hendrickson said there does appear to be a bit of an increase in the illegal use of prescription drugs, as evidenced by calls from some residents in the city that have requested help. But he said there hasn't been a spike in use or any related overdoses in Bloomfield Hills. "If they get addicted to (painkillers), a lot turn to heroin because it's cheaper and it's the same high," he said. "We haven't seen it a lot here, but it's definitely a problem in surrounding cities." Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt also said he is aware of reports about increased heroin use in Oakland County, however he claimed to not see it in the city. "We know it's out there, but we haven't seen much at all. We aren't seeing much use in prescription drugs either," he said. "We only see it if we arrest someone or there's an overdose, and we aren't seeing either right now. I can't give you any statistics on increases at all because we aren't seeing it." In some cases, the presence of heroin in a community is undeniable. In August, Walled Lake police confiscated a half gram of heroin from a home in the 1800 block of Swaney Road after a man told police he found his wife's stash of drugs in a medicine cabinet. In June, an Oakland County Sheriff's deputy seized hypodermic needles, prescription pills and crack cocaine from teenagers during a traffic stop in Commerce Township. While no heroin was found, two of the teens admitted to using it, with one agreeing to tell her parents in front of a deputy. olverine Lake Village Police Capt. John Ellsworth said the grip of the drug on some residents was apparent last year when he resuscitated a woman who had suffered a heroin-related overdose. Despite the neardeath experience, Ellsworth said the same woman was arrested months later for heroin use. While he said there doesn't appear to be a noticeable increase of heroin use among the community's current teenage population, he suspects many young adults who abused prescription medication as teens have since began using heroin in their early 20s. Psychologist Susie Gross, who specializes in adolescent substance abuse, depression and suicide treatment in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, said waiting to acknowledge the existence of a drug problem until there is undeniable proof is a form of denial that can result in tragedy for parents. "It's not just heroin that is killing our adolescents – it's the denial of the parents. It's a two-pronged kind of animal that is killing our kids," she said. "I can speak about it because it was me. I'm the one
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who had the police officer in my garage, who made excuse after excuse that my son was 'just tired,' or that it was normal to fall asleep in the bathtub with your clothes on. All the signs were there, but you see, it was much easier for me to escape to work. It was easier for me not to see what was going on than it was to intervene." Gross said she denied that her own son, David, was suffering from a serious addiction problem that started when he was a sophomore at Bloomfield Hills Andover High School around age 16. It wasn't until she discovered David had sold her wedding ring at a Waterford pawn shop four years later that she finally accepted his problem and attempted to intervene. David later moved to California. At 22, he ended his struggle and his life when he jumped from a building in Los Angeles. The tragedy led Gross to earn her PhD and find a deeper understanding of drug abuse and addiction. "Addiction has so much shame attached to it. I can't tell you how many times I would dive behind the canned peas and tuna at the market because people would look at me and give me those eyes – you know those pity eyes. I was so embarrassed," she said. "We all like to think we are perfect parents, but addiction is the one disease that happens in families that is still kind of the hidden disease. It's this kind of underbelly of the community." In her own practice, Gross said she takes a hardline approach to treatment with her patients, who she said are all from the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, by requiring them to check in with her at frequent intervals, submit to regular drug tests, and by using any additional resources she can find for them. She also requires parents to participate in their own therapy. "I hold them accountable,” she explained. “In many cases, these are kids who have never been held accountable, so it's kind of a tough love approach. But I'm not waiting for them to fall. I'm here to catch them. I'm not going to let them fall, because my son fell seven stories." Gross said at least one of the adolescent patients she treats has abused heroin; but many use prescription narcotics, heroin and other drugs interchangeably. "There's a code – the kids around here think crack is dirty, and meth is dirty. And, God forbid, they would never huff. That's for kids on the other side of town. 'We don't do those things.' Heroin is the Marc Jacobs of our society. You have to have money to do heroin, and you have to know where to go," she said. "I asked a kid the other day, 'if I wanted to do heroin, how long would it take me?' He said, 'you could probably have it by the end of our appointment.' It's that easy to get. It's that plentiful. It's like – open your eyes." According to the Michigan Department of Community Health's Bureau of Substance Abuse and Addiction Services, Oakland County organizations receiving funding from the state registered 5,340 admissions in 2012, with 26 percent of all of those admitted listing heroin as the primary substance being abused. Heroin was listed as the primary substance of 23 percent of admissions in Washtenaw County; 35 percent in Detroit; 38 percent in Macomb County; 33.2 percent in Wayne County, not including Detroit; and 20.7 percent of admissions statewide. The increase in heroin use is evident when comparing the county's admission numbers over the previous six years, which rose from 13 percent in 2006 to 25 percent in 2011 for Oakland County.
Christina Nicholas, chief of substance abuse services for the Oakland County Health Division, said the number of heroin users seeking services from the division has gone up among all ages in recent years. Additionally, the percentage of people admitted for services who reported using heroin for the first time increased 17 percent among 11 to 14year olds from 2011-12; and increased 8 percent among 15 to 17-year-olds from 2011-12. The number of first time users decreased slightly from 2011-12, she said. "Prescription drug use is something we are really paying attention to as something that can lead to heroin use," Nicholas said. akland County Circuit Court Judge Mary Ellen Brennan, who conducts hearings for the court's Family-Focused Juvenile Drug Court program, also said that heroin has gained acceptance among many of the young people coming through the program. Often, she said, juveniles begin abusing prescription medications before moving on to heroin. "We have always had one or two kids where heroin is the main drug of choice, but what stands out in my mind when planning for a court session is that heroin is just so deadly that it requires a heightened sense of awareness because it's so addictive and so deadly," Brennan said. “It used to be considered a gross, hardcore street drug. It's considered a little more chic now. "What we have in Oakland County, being one of the wealthiest counties in the state, they have more access to funds. The ones that are using it are the ones that have access to money. By the time they get to me, they have usually hit their rock bottom and committed a crime that has a significant connection to drug use," Brennan explained. The OPTIONS juvenile court program provides specialized intensive services to youths, ages 13 to 15, who are non-violent, repeat offenders who have been charged with a drug, alcohol or related offense. After being assessed, those admitted into the program are given weekly judicial supervision, intensive drug treatment, frequent, random drug testing and regular probationary counseling within the program. They are also expected to attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, as assigned. The program administers consequences for non-compliance with the court's expectations, which may consist of a curfew, community service hours, letters of apology, loss of privileges, home detention or short-term incarceration. "I see terrified young people and terrified families that are wrestling with this addiction, and will be wrestling with it for the rest of their lives, if they live through it with this addiction," Brennan said. "By the time I see them, they realize they can't control it anymore." Brennan said while the program is intensive, it doesn't offer inpatient treatment. In some cases, the extent of the drug problem is to the point where outpatient services are no longer an option. Still, she said, the program is sufficient to help those who are admitted. The circuit court also offers an adult drug treatment court for offenders older than 18. Treatment for heroin addiction may be particularly challenging for adolescents in the area, as there aren't any inpatient treatment facilities for adolescents currently available in southeast Michigan. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office narcotics
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task force in 2012 seized about 800 grams of heroin in 2012, compared to about 6,300 grams of cocaine. However, seizure numbers may not accurately represent the availability of a specific drug in the county. "Our narcotics enforcement team sees things kind of ebb and flow based on new things brought into the marketdplace by those who wish to peddle this trash," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. "For a while, we saw a tick up in pharmaceutical drugs that may be in mom or dad's or grandma or grandpa's medicine cabinet for legitimate medical purposes, but are taken sometimes by young people and either sold or used on the street. Heroin is very much on our radar and very much on our priority list in terms of things we go after because of the extreme possibility of really destroying lives because of the death and suffering that comes to families from some of these situations." In August 2011, the sheriff's office and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seized about 69 kilograms of heroin and more than 10 kilograms of cocaine from a home in Pontiac. The drugs had an estimated street value of $150 million. "We seized the largest amount of heroin in the history of the state about two-and-a-half years ago in a house," Bouchard said. "It was directly related to a Mexican drug cartel, so it's got international pipelines that can end up virtually anywhere in the country. It's something that we are constantly monitoring and attacking." ccording to the federal DEA's 2011 National Drug Threat Assessment, the increase in heroin production in Mexico and increased involvement of Mexican traffickers in the distribution of South American heroin have contributed to wider heroin availability in many U.S. markets, including some areas where the drug was previously unavailable. "The demand for most illicit drugs in the United States is rising, particularly among young people," the report stated. "Adolescents appear to be abusing illicit drugs at a greater rate than most other segments of society." Locally, the DEA's annual report included Oakland County among counties reporting increases in heroinrelated overdoses from 2008 to 2010. The findings were based on fatal and nonfatal overdoses from heroin that were reported to either law enforcement, medical examiners, or both. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office said while it tracks the number of drug-related deaths in total, staff doesn't differentiate between specific types of drugs in its annual statistics. In fact, neither Bouchard, nor emergency room officials at Beaumont Health System or Henry Ford Health System categorize overdoses by drug types. "Certainly drug overdoses, sadly, aren't uncommon. It's something we investigate and try to determine who put them in the situation to take that lethal, or potentially lethal, dose. Unfortunately, it occurs everywhere, including Oakland County," Bouchard said. "I have had my kids grow up in this area, and my oldest (child) knows three people that have overdosed and died from the BirminghamBloomfield area, so it's an equal opportunity family tragedy. It doesn't matter what city you live in, the possibility of a child getting into some very bad drugs and overdosing is there in any community." In June, the Oakland County Health Division issued a public health alert regarding an increase in heroin overdoses reported to the Michigan Poison Control Center. Health officials said the cause of
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many of the overdoses was related to heroin containing fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opiate analgesic that is often prescribed to treat severe pain. Its potency is about 100 times stronger than morphine, with variants of the drug made in clandestine labs and sometimes added to low-quality heroin. The potent mixtures have been responsible for overdoses in Michigan, as well as at least 20 others outside the state. Because of fentanyl's high potency, its presence can go undetected in heroin mixtures until it has already entered the user's system. While fentanyl-related overdoses are one risk for heroin users, prescription drug overdoses exceed the number of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine deaths combined, according to the DEA. Across the state, the number of hospitalizations involving opioids – including heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, opium, and other synthetic drugs with a morphine-like effect -- increased 120 percent between 2000 and 2011, from 9,157 to 20,191 in that 11-year time span. Hospital officials with Beaumont Health System's Emergency Center in Royal Oak, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Oakland and Macomb counties, said there were 134 drug overdoses from January to July 2013, which includes overdoses related to overthe-counter drugs, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, as well as fatal and nonfatal, intentional and accidental overdoses. Of the 134 overdoses, 15 involved teens between 12 and 18 years old; and 17 between the ages of 19 and 24. The facility recorded 262 overdoses in 2012, with 28 between the age of 12 and 18; and 33 between the age 19 and 24. The center saw 252 overdoses in 2011, with 29 involving patients between the age of 12 and 18; and 41 between the ages of 19 and 24. Jacqueline Howes-Evanson, who supervises the juvenile and adult drug courts at the Oakland County Circuit Court, said the number of juveniles who have offenses related to heroin use made up about 3 percent of all cases last year, up from about 2.3 percent in 2009. However, heroin use among adult offenders in the 19-24-year-old age range is "off the chart,” she said. Howes-Evanson said many of the young adults who are using heroin in the 19-24-year old range started using prescription pills as early as 13 years old. As the cost of opiate-derived prescription pills becomes too expensive, she said, teens move on to using heroin, and subsequently commit more severe crimes. "At least 30 percent of our current population are heroin addicts, in that age group,” she said. “They aren't coming in as alcoholics. They are coming in as Vicodin and heroin addicts. It's amazing to me how the medical community hasn't caught on. There are many doctors out there who ask about addiction, but it seems so easy to get an opiate script. Many seem to start out of the medicine cabinet, right out of their home." Nationally, the number of new heroin users increased from about 90,000 in 2006 to about 178,000 in 2011, with some belief that the increases have been caused by those transitioning from non-medical pain reliever use (NMPR), according to a study released by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality released in August. "There is a concern among treatment providers, policymakers and others that NMPR use can progress to heroin use," according to the report. "Anecdotal reports and localized small-scale studies have suggested that some individuals who have been
abusing OxyContin switched to heroin after the reformulation in late 2010 made OxyContin more difficult to crush. Street price data from the Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center Drug Diversion Monitoring Program indicate that the street demand for the new formulation was much lower than the old formulation, which was more powerful and produced highs similar to those produced by heroin. Data showed that the street price of the new formulation was nearly 20-30 percent lower than that of the old formulation, indicating lower demand for the new formulation. However, the reformulation may have led potential abusers of OxyContin to switch to heroin." he study, which used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted annually from 2001-2011, found the rate of heroin use is 19 times higher among those who reported prior nonmedical pain reliever use than those who didn't, with four out of five (79.5 percent) first-time heroin users previously using pain relievers for non-medical reasons. Conversely, only one percent of first-time non-medical pain relief users had previously used heroin. However, according to the study, the vast majority of NMPR users haven't progressed into heroin use, with only 3.6 percent of NMPR initiates beginning heroin use within five years of their first NMPR use. Meghan Perrault, the adolescent substance abuse program group facilitator for Oakland Family Services in Berkley, said the majority of teens coming into the group have issues with marijuana use, but that there has been a sharp increase in prescription medication use acting as a gateway to heroin. She said about one in seven in the group, which consists of teens from 14 to 18 years old, are using heroin. Several teens from the Berkley and Pontiac offices have had non-fatal overdoses. "We are seeing more reports of use in the communities, with a lot more knowledge by younger kids about where to get it, how to use it and who is doing it," Perrault said. "It has changed a lot in recent years, especially as people are finding heroin to be cheaper than prescription pills. It's almost like a trendy thing to say, 'I've tried it.' But kids are trying it and getting hooked on it." Robin Walsh, a therapist at Henry Ford Maplegrove Center in West Bloomfield who specializes in adolescent addiction outpatient services, said about one in 10 of her patients are struggling with heroin use. The program, she said, is a 12-step program that consists of six weeks of treatment, including three, three-hour therapy sessions each week, group meetings and workshops. The program also uses peer-mentoring volunteers. "We have been seeing an increase in kids saying they need help and are telling their parents," Walsh said. "I'm hoping that is because of some of the education, but mostly parents are bringing their children in." Perrault said while many teens recognize they have a problem with drugs, it's common for most of them to still believe they can control their addiction. "They minimize the addiction. When working with adults who use, they complain more about withdrawal. Teens don't complain about that, because it's more about staying high or the social status of using," she said. “A lot of parents know something is wrong, but it's hard to imagine it would be heroin. Once schools and communities become more aware and actually start looking at heroin as something that is being used, then we can come together and combat it."
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FACES
Annie Margulis
A
nnie Margulis was 38-years old when she first tried golfing. "The first time I played, it was somewhat humiliating, but I took lessons in the winter and learned how to do a golf swing," she said. "I started to hit it, and I really liked it." While her initial golf game was admittedly embarrassing, Margulis found the traditional golf attire available to women equally unflattering, as most are based on men's golf attire that are boxy in the front and baggy in the back. "The shorts didn't fit, and they were ugly," she said. "Essentially, they took men's clothing and sized it down." Just as she took steps to improve her play on the course, the experience led Margulis to take steps to improve golf attire for her and other women. Today, Margulis is owner of Bloomfield Hills-based Girls Golf clothing line, which is being sold in some of the top golf clubs in the United States, as well locations in eight countries in North American, Europe and South America. Locally, her fashions are available at the Country Club of Detroit, Bloomfield Hills Country Club, Red Run and Orchard Lake Country Club. Other clubs include The Breakers in Palm Beach and 40 locations in Florida. Her clothes are also available at specialty boutiques, with some for sale on the e-commerce portion of her website, girls-golf.com. "When I started in my first club eight years ago, I was like a pioneer in making women's golf clothing more feminine," Margulis said. "There were a few others, like Ralph Lauren, but he's ahead of the curve for everything."
Equally as impressive as her clothing brand is Margulis' experience in fashion design, or perhaps her lack of extensive experience. "I had an interest in fashion as a young girl, but I was from a modest background," she said. "When I got a scholarship to go to nursing school, my parents said I was going to be a nurse, and I said, 'OK.'" After 25 years as a registered nurse in Kalamazoo, Margulis left the medical field and moved to southeast Michigan. She eventually began working for Saks Fifth Avenue as an assistant for an events coordinator, which awoke her interest in fashion and opened new possibilities. Starting with a trunk show in her own home, Margulis was shocked when she took $15,000 in orders for Girls Golf. The clothes utilize bright colors and color blocking techniques offering women a more fashionable style on the golf course, while still using cotton to maintain a more country club, resort look. Margulis said she plans to maintain the clothing line's status as a boutique brand while broadening its visibility in more locations. Now, she said, she is careful the business doesn't get too big, too fast, which can compromise quality. "I feel that if I take on a task or job, I try to do my best to complete it to the best of my ability. With that said, this is harder than anything I've ever done – and I worked in intensive care for a very long time. But it's hard to get a product and brand and market it. You have to stick with it; you can't do it overnight. We are a small boutique brand, and I'm really proud of that." Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
BENTIVOLIO VS. TROTT CAN THE OAKLAND COUNTY GOP RIGHT ITSELF?
BENTIVOLIO
TROTT
BY LISA BRODY
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akland County's Republican Party had been feeling pretty secure. In 2010, after 12 years of Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Republicans regained not only the state's governor's office, but were also able to maintain control of the state House of Representatives. Redistricting favored their candidates in most instances, leading to allegations of gerrymandering. In 2012, for the first time in years, all three chambers of the state government, the state Senate, House of Representatives, and the governor's office, were in solid Republican hands, and a homegrown boy, Mitt Romney, was running for president of the United States. While certain races were of concern, the U.S. 11th Congressional District was not one of them. Thaddeus McCotter, a Livonia resident and former state senator, had been the U.S. Representative for the district since 2003, and while from July 2 to September 21, 2011, he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president in the 2012 election, his candidacy never gained traction, and he was never included by Republicans and others in any national debates. With a safe and securely redistricted seat that now spread from Livonia, Westland and Novi into Commerce Township, Walled Lake, White Lake, and Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, it was a campaign no-brainer. He just had to get the required signatures filed for the August 7, 2012 primary, where only one other candidate had filed to run against him, a former U.S soldier, teacher, and current reindeer farmer and Santa Claus, Kerry Bentivolio of Milford.
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Gabriel Bolkosky, Violin Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor Mendelssohn: Fair Melusine, Op. 32
“Passing of the Baton” Dinner honoring Charles Greenwell at Pine Lake Country Club Saturday, October 26th at 6:30 pm. The public is cordially invited. Tickets available by phone and online.
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But strange events can happen in politics. McCotter is proof of that. In late May 2012, after the official filing deadline, it was discovered that an overwhelming majority – 85 percent – of the signatures on his filing petition were invalid, a fraud perpetuated by his staff, it was discovered, since 2006. The fallout led McCotter to resign from Congress on July 6, months shy of the end of his term, leaving his constituents high and dry, and forcing voters to not only choose a replacement for him in the August primary and November general election, but in a special September election in which Democrat David Curson prevailed to finish the six weeks left in McCotter's term. Besides being appalled by the fraud and scandal that McCotter left in his wake, state and local Republicans by and large weren't thrilled with the only choice they had on the ballot, Bentivolio, who had previously only run once before for any elected office. In 2010, he was unsuccessful in his bid for the state senate in the 15th district, against the more experienced Mike Kowall. Party members sought a write-in candidate, approaching local businessman David Trott, amongst others, who declined. Former state Sen. Nancy Cassis (R-Novi), who had been term limited, bit the bullet for the team, and launched a write-in campaign. A write-in candidate is a candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot, but who voters may vote for by writing in their name. Write-in candidates rarely win. In the case of Cassis, despite pledging to spend $200,000 to defeat Bentivolio, wider name recognition and having the support of mainstream Republican party members in Oakland County, she failed to win the primary.
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entivolio went on to win the general election in the Republican district having raised only roughly $41,000 himself, and is the current representative, where he is still paying off campaign debts of approximately $112,000, according to reports, while trying to raise money for a 2014 run. To date, he has raised roughly $100,000, according to Republican sources. In comparison, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (DBloomfield Township), who has announced he is seeking the senate seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), has raised more than $1 million, and has $1.8 million cash on hand. House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (RMidland), has received contributions of $785,000, and has reported more than $3 million of cash on hand. However, Bill Ballenger of Inside Michigan Politics, said Bentivolio may have had more money behind him than just what he personally raised. “Ron Paul and the Libertarians came in with a lot of money,” Ballenger said. “They may have actually outspent Cassis; more money may been spent on his behalf than on her. And I expect the same thing will happen in this (2014) primary.” Dave Dulio, a political science professor at Oakland University, said there can be a problem
going forward with a party floating a write-in candidate against an unapproved party candidate. “You can find yourself in a spot like they did the last time with a write-in candidate, which did not win,” he said. “The problem is going forward they can have a bad relationship. If the party does not want him going forward, they can rally a different set of primary voters. Who turns out the most matters more than incumbency.” By and large, local Republicans have not been happy with Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, although Oakland County Republican chairman Jim Thienel hesitated to say that, noting that the county Republican party is no longer just the GOP. “There are fiscal Republicans, social Republicans, Tea Party Republicans, so called Liberty Republicans. The problem is there is no longer just the straight Republican party anymore,” he said. "As a policy, the Michigan Republican Party doesn't get involved in primary races," Darren Littrell, spokesperson for the Michigan Republican Party, said. “Bentivolio has a Tea Party streak that works for him. It will be interesting to monitor the group going forward to 2014 to see how much strength the Tea Party will have,” Dulio said. Why don't mainstream Republicans like Bentivolio? He is Libertarian-leaning and an outspoken opponent of the Federal Reserve, and a Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq war veteran who does not want America involved in overseas conflicts. He is primarily supported by various Tea Party groups. In August 2013, as a U.S. Congressman, he announced that he had consulted lawyers about potentially impeaching President Barak Obama, but discovered you had to have a reason and evidence in order to do that. He said that he examined impeaching Obama after he met the president, which left him disgusted just by standing next to him. At a Republican town hall meeting in Birmingham in August, he told attendees, “I went back to my office, and had lawyers come in. These are lawyers, PhDs in history. And I said, 'Tell me how I can impeach the President of the United States. What evidence do you have?' You've got to have evidence.” He said he acknowledged that it's not plausible, but said he'd still like to. “If I could write that bill, it'd be a dream come true,” Bentivolio said. “But because he is president, I have to respect the office. That's my job as a congressman.” “Bentivolio may have done things to embarrass the Republican party and himself, but has he actually cast any strange votes that the Tea Party would not expect or like?” Ballenger asked. “The guy may look bad and sound bad and not be the guy the Republican establishment would like, but he hasn't been any worse than 50 or 60 other Tea Party congressmen. He doesn't stick out like a sore thumb in Washington.” His record reflects Ballenger's statement, voting in step with other Republican congressmen, including voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) several times in the eight months he has been in office. Bentivolio,
through his spokesperson, was not available for an interview. Prior to being a U.S. Congressman, Bentivolio listed his occupation as reindeer farmer and Santa Claus. He served in Vietnam, during Operation Desert Storm, and spent a year as a platoon sergeant in Iraq before a neck injury in 2008 caused him to be medivaced out to a military hospital at Fort Knox in Kentucky. He told the National Review in 2012 that one weekend he drove around in a rented car where he saw what appeared to be Revolutionary War re-enactors, and he pulled over. They told him they were the Tea Party, standing for “Taxed Enough Already.” Rand Paul was speaking at the rally. He said it inspired him to run for office in 2010 in the state senate primary.
D
uring that election and the 2012 primary election, it came to GOP and press attention that Bentivolio had had a troubling record as a teacher in Milford, with the Detroit Free Press noting that Bentivolio earned a reprimand from superiors “for intimidating and threatening students by grabbing their desks and yelling in their faces or slamming their fists on their desks.” He stepped down. Bentivolio said he began playing Santa Claus in the late 1980s as part of an effort to help draw shoppers to downtown Milford. Some merchants bought a sleigh and he bought the reindeer. Currently, he has six reindeer, which he also said can produce milk. He once testified under oath in a court deposition, “I have a problem figuring out which one I really am, Santa Claus or Kerry Bentivolio. All my life I have been told I'm Kerry Bentivolio and now, I am Santa Claus, so now I prefer to be Santa Claus. Maybe I should have went to see a shrink.” He told the reporter from the National Review that's what you do when you get in character. “I think I'm Santa when I'm Santa.” Voters in the 11th District will have to determine who Kerry Bentivolio is. On September 4, 2013, Birmingham businessman David Trott announced that he would run for the congressional seat in the 11th District in the Republican primary in August 2014, citing his record of job creation, problem solving ability and commitment to conservative values as his motivation to serve the constituents of the district. Oakland University's Dulio said the Republican challenge is a remnant of the McCotter political fallout. “Given the fact that there is this primary challenge for this seat, which is rare, the McCotter debacle is continuing to play out for this seat.” Trott, whose name was floated as a possible write-in candidate in 2012 by Oakland County Republicans, is a partner in the Trott & Trott law firm which specializes in foreclosures and bankruptcy issues, which has already made him a target of Democrats who claim he's a guy who throws people out of their houses, noted Steve Mitchell, of Mitchell Research and Communications, Inc. “The Tea Party people will
also jump on that. But Trott has pointed out that he's helped a lot of people too, and helped a lot of people stay in their homes, helping them with housing work out situations.” A poll Mitchell released September 6, indicates that Trott's timing may be right, with one third, or about 36 percent, of Republican primary voters saying that they would likely re-elect Bentivolio, while another third, 30 percent, would vote for “a new person to do a better job.” Another third aren't sure who they would vote for. Mitchell concluded that Bentivolio is vulnerable to a Republican challenge.
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rott is a graduate of Cranbrook Schools, University of Michigan and Duke University Law School and “has earned his Republican stripes,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who calls Bentivolio the “accidental congressman.” “He's not Simon LeGree. He did more than foreclosures. He did a lot of workout programs, he owns a real estate company (Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel) and several title companies (Seaver Title, Greco Title, Midstate Title Agency), too,” Patterson said. “He's one of the best fundraisers I've ever had. When he called and told me he was going to run, I told him he had my support.” Thienel said he believes Trott's career will give him advantages and disadvantages. “The fact is, he's a proven leader and being a successful businessman is an advantage. Dave is one of the few people who relates extremely well with the grassroots across the board, with candidates across the board, and with people across the
board,” Thienel said. “There is no air of arrogance with Dave Trott.” His success also allows him the ability to selffund his campaign, although his spokesperson Megan Piwowar said she did not know if Trott would use his own money. “I believe his campaign will be completely fueled by local donors,” Piwowar said. “Bentivolio is an ineffective congressman. He does not do town halls; his district staff does all of his meetings for him. Trott is trusted more by the Republican establishment, as someone who won't scare away as many constituents. But many people have questions about him,” said Frank Houston, Oakland County Democratic chairman. “When you have someone who is the Microsoft of foreclosures, someone who has made money off of every step of the foreclosure deal, there are questions. If Bentivolio does an effective job, he'll raise those questions.” Thienel said it's going to be a very interesting race. “Dave Trott and Kerry Bentivolio are two people with different backgrounds, with two different personalities who present two different choices for Republican primary voters,” he said. Trott said he is a lifelong Oakland County resident who has supported numerous local, state and national candidates who “embrace our conservative values.” He's also been an active member of the community, sitting on the boards of Detroit County Day School, The Community House, Karmanos Cancer Center, Michigan State Building Authority, and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. He's also been a team player, supporting many Republican candidates for various offices, going back to his days as a high
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school student, when he updated voting lists for then-Oakland County Republican chairman and former congressman Joe Knollenberg. “It's a redo of last year. It's the same group backing Trott that were behind Cassis,” Ballenger said. “But the power of the incumbency is quite powerful. The notion that the establishment can wade right in and take it back is going to be very difficult. They'll find it's much more difficult than they expect, and I'm not sure they can do it. Look, obviously Bentivolio hasn't been better than they thought he'd be. But he's certainly no worse than they expected. (U.S. Speaker of the House John) Boehner endorsed him and came out and raised money for him. Congressman (John) Amash (RGrand Rapids) has endorsed him.” Ballenger said he believes it will likely remain a Republican district, and Houston acknowledged that in a way, as well. “It's a very gerrymandered district,” Houston said. “We have to focus on attracting a strong candidate and getting people back to work.” “If Trott beats Bentivolio, the Democrats will probably not feel it's worth going after Trott,” Ballenger said. “They would not feel like spending a lot of money or effort to beat Trott. But they won't know if he's the guy who will win the primary and have to find someone until August, and the filing deadline is in May. Who will come to the fore for the Democrats to get in the position to win in November by next May? “The Democrats must be questioning, do we really make an effort, when we have too many other fish to fry in other districts, in a 55 percent Republican district, in a non-presidential election year,” Ballenger noted.
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Super sharp Contemporary Colonial resting on a wooded lovely landscaped lot in private, back of the sub. Amenities galore!!! 213070406. $349,900
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WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP
FARMINGTON HILLS
FARMINGTON HILLS
CLAWSON
Beautiful 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths on .73 acres with large deck. Large family room with fireplace, breakfast space. 213040439. $250,000
Rare custom home in Dutchman Farms! Unparalleled quality throughout this 2990 sq ft home. This home is immaculate, neutral and ready to move into. 213078449. $310,000
Spacious end unit ranch situated in a tree lined yard. Neutral throughout, newer windows & doorwall. Large entry, eat in kitchen. 213088078. $172,000
Wow! An absolutely beautiful home in truly “move in condition”. Sparkling hardwood floors, neutral décor. You must see the walk out lower level! 213094243. $199,900
WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP
ORCHARD LAKE
WHITE LAKE
WOLVERINE LAKE
Super clean ranch just listed! This home has so much to offer! You'll love the master bdrm addition w/master bath, jetted tub & walk in closet. Extensive use of brick pavers. 213066796. $159,900
Home is a very open concept floor plan which is light & bright throughout. Massive great room w/stone fireplace & wet bar. 2 deck areas for outside enjoyment. 213069383. $439,900
Gorgeous Cape Cod situated on premium ½ acre lot. Neutral décor. Living room with high ceiling & bay window. Family room with natural fireplace. 3 car side entry garage. 213087158. $279,900
Spacious main lakefront on Wolverine Lake. Beautiful location on one of the largest parts of the lake. You will love the lake views from the wide open great room and wall of windows. 213089953. $349,900
WEST BLOOMFIELD
WOLVERINE LAKE
WEST BLOOMFIELD
COMMERCE TWP
This home shows pride of ownership. The condo is custom painted throughout, Hunter Douglas Blinds, Granite counters in kitchen and baths. Finished basement. 213039710. $385,000
Spectacular waterfront on all sports Wolverine Lake. Private location on dead end street. Enjoy 1.5 acres and 200 feet of water frontage. Dramatic 2 story entry with beams of natural light. Complete finished walk out. 213086873. $564,900
First offering on prime Middle Straits main lakefront home. Home sits on 4 forty foot lots with 160 feet of frontage. Lake side master suite. 213094152. $689,000
Adorable home! Just has a new exterior paint job! Roof only 4 years old. Generously sized family room, updated kitchen. 213093699. $149,900
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Bloomfield Hills (248) 647-8888 | Farmington Hills (248) 855-2000 West Bloomfield (248) 360-9100 | Livonia (734) 462-9800
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WHITE LAKE TWP
FARMINGTON
BIRMINGHAM
Newer home on quiet cul-de-sac. Two story foyer, double staircase, ceramic tile, fireplace, French doors, merrilatt cabinets. Spacious master. 213091425. $280,000
Nicely maintained brick ranch w brand new roof. Remodeled kitchen with maple cabinets, tons of counter space. Newer furnace & central air. 213053253. $139,900
Unique and high quality custom built home in 2009. Bonus room above garage is 400 sq ft. Outstanding interior design. 213055625. $509,900
BIRMINGHAM
FARMINGTON HILLS
COMMERCE TWP
Two heating systems, wired for networking and surround sound system. Basement plumbing prepared for wet bar, additional laundry and storage. 213072123. $799,900
Lovely updated Westbrooke Manor colonial. Maple kitchen with granite counters & ceramic floor. Newer furnace & central air. Updated baths. Neutral carpet thru out. 2 car attached garage. 213070763. $230,000
Welcome to this beautiful upper ranch style unit with open floor plan, cozy fireplace, walk in closets in both bedrooms. Door wall and deck off master. 213091381. $139,900
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RELOCATING?
COMMERCE TWP
First offering on lakes area two bedroom ranch. Great location just around the corner to all sports Walled Lake. Lake view from back yard. Large double lot site is .22 of an acre. Nicely updated throughout. 213087901. $85,450
OUR RELOCATION DEPARTMENT
Spacious Tri-level in popular Commerce location. Enjoy 4 large bedrooms & fenced backyard. Just down the street to all sports Commerce Lake. 213089931. $169,000
OFFERS LOCAL HOMEFINDING ASSISTANCE AS WELL AS NUMEROUS RELOCATION SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-21-HOMES
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Renee Lossia Acho Experience The Difference Between An Agent And An Expert
BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $4,850,000 Truly the Opportunity of a Lifetime! This Landmark Gem on 2.7 acres nestled in Cranbrook neighborhood w/ pool, cabana, tennis court & guest house. 8600 SF, 6 BR, 5.3 BA, 5 car gar.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $3,500,000 New Construction Masterpiece on over 2 acres in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. 1st Level Master BR suite w/ magnificent detail throughout, 7600 SF, 5 BR, 5.1 BA, 4 car att gar.
PINE LAKE WATERFRONT - $1,299,000 JUST REDUCED Dramatic Lake Views from this stunning home offering spectacular open and bright floor plan on one of Michigan's most sought after lakefront communities. 5000 SF, 5 BR, 4 BA, 4 car gar.
BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE - $1,995,000 Detroit Hour Magazine Featured Home & one of the finest examples of contemporary design in Michigan! Gorgeous surroundings & outdoor entertaining areas. 7400 SF, 6 BR, 6.2 BA, 3 car att gar.
BIRMINGHAM - $1,699,000 Exceptional Opportunity to add your own finishes and touches to the Spectacular New Construction Home just steps from town! 5200 SF, 4 BR, 5.1 BA, 3 car att gar.
BIRMINGHAM - $869,000 JUST REDUCED Totally turnkey in town Bhm townhouse w/ fantastic state of the art kitchen. Opp for third BR in 3rd floor loft. 2300 SF, 2 BR, 3 ½ BA.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $2,950,000 Spectacular New Construction in the most sought after section of Bloomfield Hills w/ the opportunity to add your own details and finishes. 6300 SF, 5.1 BA, 4 car att gar.
● SKBK’s Top Producer 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 ● Over $150 Million Sold in Oakland County Since 2009 ● Over $40 Million Under Contract 2013 ● Top 1% Realtors Nationally ● Hour Magazine All Star 2011, 2012
BIRMINGHAM - $849,000 Truly exceptional new construction projected completion Spring 2014 w/ sleek & modern design in town. 2800 SF, 4 BR, 3 ½ BA, 2 car gar.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $999,000 Enjoy breathtaking views from this gorgeous mini estate w/ shared lake lot w/ gorgeous chef's kitchen. 4300 SF, 4 BR, 4 1/2 BA, 3 car att gar.
BIRMINGHAM - $735,000 Sophistication and style abound in this totally remodeled home in 2000 w/ incredible open floor plan. 2800 SF, 3 BR with opp for 4th BR on 1st floor, 3 ½ BA, 2 car gar.
ReneeAcho.com
BIRMINGHAM - $465,000 JUST REDUCED Fantastic colonial home overlooking BHM CC golf course in a popular neighborhood w/ granite & stainless Kit. 2000 SF, 3 BR, 2.1 BA, 2 car gar.
248.310.1414 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
FACES R.J. King
B
usiness writer R.J. King asks the question, has business etiquette become an afterthought for today's college graduates trying to establish themselves in the job market? While more young people are able to build extensive online social networks and command digital devices with ease, a lack of social graces and understanding of workplace politics may be holding back many otherwise talented professionals. “Either they don't know how to introduce themselves, they don't shake hands firmly and look people in the eye, or they aren't intrigued in what the other person is doing. They aren't asking a lot questions and don't know how to discern if they have an opportunity to help the person,” said King, author of the newly released book, “Passport to the Corner Office.” King, a business reporter at The Detroit News for 16 years before joining DBusiness magazine in 2006 as the magazine's editor, said the book is geared toward college and high school graduates, but offers tips for anyone looking for help raising their career level. The book, King's first, includes a Corporate Resource Guide, which covers business etiquette skills, interview techniques, a guide for tipping service providers, and other tips for young professionals to avoid social awkwardness in potentially unfamiliar settings. The guide itself is available at the iTunes App Store as the Tipping Guide app, created by King's 14-year-old nephew, Julien Amblard. A native of Bloomfield Village and graduate of Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Township, King said the idea for the book came to him following a luncheon a few years ago at the Detroit Athletic Club with one of his nephews. "He is very bright and never gets in trouble, but when we sat down for lunch he was very confused by the silverware and what to use," King said. "He wasn't interacting with the waiter, and you could tell he was uncomfortable and out of his element. I go to about 200 events a year and watch how people act, and the do's and don'ts of networking, fine dining and introducing yourself to people and carrying on a conversation. I thought maybe there was a book out there that I could give to Matthew, but there aren't many out there geared to high school and college graduates." The book isn't limited to young professionals. Biting your fingernails – as King said he observed a well-known corporate executive do at a formal lunch at the Detroit Economic Club – or other uncouth actions might have connotations that go beyond simple faux pas. "It just looked awful," King said. "That's a sign of weakness, and to some extent low self-esteem. Even before you meet them, when you see someone doing something like that, your confidence level goes down a bit." Passport to the Corner Office was published by King's newly-formed publishing company Written in Detroit in partnership with Momentum Books, the publishing arm of Hour LLC. King is currently working on his second book, "8 Track", in which he tells the story behind the development of the 8-track tape player, which was developed by Ford Motor Company. "It was a perfectly timed product," King said, of the 8-track tape. "Ford introduced it, and my father was the product engineer who worked on the 8-track. It was, by 1970, a billion dollar industry and had a 15-year run. It's the whole story of that era." Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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248.644.7000
SKBK.com
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rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.
Walnut Lake Waterfront Estate BLOOMFIELD Over 14,000 square feet of living space. Grand entrance with spiral staircase, soaring ceiling and direct water view. Beautiful Chef's kitchen and master suites on first and second floors. Walk out lower level with kitchen, billiard room, bar and banquet room. Fireplaces. Five bedrooms with 7.2 baths. 213096080. $4,900,000. Dawn Williams & Maria Constante
In Town and Holy Name Area BIRMINGHAM
Private gate into custom built home with state of the art equestrian training facility on 37 acres. 80x200 indoor arena. 1st floor master suite, open floor plan with large kitchen opens to family room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Walk out lower level to brick patio and in-ground pool with pool house. Six bedrooms with 8.5 baths. 213053019. $2,495,000. Ronni Keating
Stately Brick Colonial BIRMINGHAM
Spacious open foyer, hardwood floors, walnut library, Mahogany doors, crown moldings. Large breakfast area in kitchen overlooking private rear yard and patio. Spectacular master suite with fireplace, two separate walk in closets and full bath. Finished lower level with kitchen and full bath. Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 213096086. $1,799,000. Donna Barlow
Located on Birmingham's most prestigious street. Landscaped to perfection, including a new in-ground swimming pool in 2006. The white kitchen offers Wolf, Sub Zero and Granite. First and second floor laundry rooms. Enormous second floor bonus room is a finished basement alternative. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths 213063163. $1,749,000. Linda Eriksen
Franklin Village At It's Best
Stately Home
FRANKLIN VILLAGE Beautifully nestled on an ultra private three acre site is this magnificent Cape Cod overlooking the Franklin River, wildlife and serenity. Library, family and large keeping room. Cedar Shake roof, new HVAC and expansive deck. Three bedrooms with 2.2 baths. 213082998. $995,000. Mike Cotter
Absolutely Charming BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM Overlooking Birmingham Country Club. Elegant master suite with spa like bath. Large bedrooms, designer kitchen, hardwood floors throughout first floor, new carpet on second and third floors. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 213091797. $749,900. Mike Heiwig
Gorgeous Lot BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Exposed hardwood floors, coved ceilings and stunning kitchen with high end stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Spacious living room with grand limestone fireplace. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 213096192. $660,000. Jenny Turner & Kris Barich
This wonderful custom built home offers a open floor plan with entry level office, private master suite, gorgeous living room with hardwood flooring and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the private yard with mature perennial gardens. Walkout lower level. Four bedrooms 3.1 baths. 213091066. $559,000. Chris Johnson
Meticulously Maintained
Pine Knob Golf Community
BLOOMFIELD HILLS Generous room sizes, stylish decor and fantastic location are just the start. Granite kitchen, huge mudroom, three season room and finished lower level. Home has been loved and it shows. Park like setting make this home hard to resist. A must see! Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213075627. $429,000. Sara Lipnitz
248.644.7000
Pristine and Lovely INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP
INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP Stunning 2-story ceiling, foyer with spiral staircase welcomes you into this unit at The Enclave. Great Room with bay window & elegant fireplace. LAFATA cabinets and granite tops, hardwood floors, crown moldings, brand new Stanton carpet, walk out lower level to brick patio. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213095864. $415,000. Carmen Mollicone
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rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.
Lake Angelus Lakefront
Fantastic Views
LAKE ANGELUS
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP
On over eight plus acres sits this beautiful custom built home with over 10,000 square feet of living space. Spectacular views from every room. Hardwood floors, custom cabinetry and custom granite. One of 4 vintage boathouses with full plumbing and electrical. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 213047830. $2,975,000. Lee Embrey
Just Magnificent BIRMINGHAM A home so exquisite and unparalleled in its beauty, that it simply takes your breath away. This home is just that. Timeless in it's design, stunning in it's architecture and brilliant in its details. New cabana/pool house recently built. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213091489. $1,100,000. Kathy Manoogian
Tranquil Lakefront Home BLOOMFIELD HILLS Handcrafted tile, wrought iron, antique doors, arches and high beamed ceilings add to the charm. Gourmet kitchen, newly finished hardwood floors, custom painted and updated baths. Expansive master suite with balcony. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths 213092857. $725,000. Tammy Hernandez
Great For Entertaining BLOOMFIELD HILLS Beautiful soft contemporary with private Wing Lake beach and dock privileges across the road. Over 1/2 acre of tranquil, landscaped grounds. Spacious kitchen w/windows overlooking grounds. Loft style with spiral staircase to master suite with private. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213075451. $549,000. Bill Tracy
Wooded Ravine Setting BINGHAM FARMS Great decks, large windows, finished basement with daylight windows. Granite in kitchen and master bath, fireplace in living room. Neutral colors and wood trim throughout, front patio with professionally landscaped gardens. A lovely and charming home. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 213095671. $324,900. Candice Cuyler
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Outstanding home perched high on one acre, cul-de-sac and custom throughout. Loaded with hardwood, crown moldings, 5 fireplaces, hearth area in kitchen, lower level finished with music room, huge workout area and kitchen. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 213094384. $1,199,900. Susan Johnson
Serene Private Setting BLOOMFIELD HILLS Magnificent Contemporary home with nothing short of high quality finishes from the door hardware to the gourmet kitchen. Large windows and skylights shed natural light into this home. Walk out finished lower level with 3,000 square feet. Five outdoor decks. Six bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 213095888. $939,000. Dan Gutfreund
Custom Built ROYAL OAK First floor master suite, gourmet kitchen with high end appliances, library/office with built ins, three fireplaces. Finished basement with kitchen, laundry area, exercise room, recreation room and lots of storage space. Great back yard with deck and full outdoor kitchen. Seven bedrooms with five baths. 213095559. $579,900. Jim Casey
Open Floor Plan WEST BLOOMFIELD Beautiful contemporary home offering walls of windows with views of wooded yard. First floor master suite, newer furnace and hot water tank. Finished lower level has two bedrooms, family room and bathroom. Five bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 213089892. $349,900. Dee Brooks
Close To Downtown BIRMINGHAM Beautiful newer granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances opens to dining room and living room. Refinished hardwood floors. Updated landscaping and lovely back porch. Updated electrical. Reverse osmosis water purification system and water softener. Three bedrooms with two baths. 213091522. $230,000. Maureen Francis
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hen Your Home Deserves The Very Best
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS NEW CONSTRUCTION
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Cemetery contract challenged By Lisa Brody
Sunoco pipeline pump approved By Lisa Brody
Bloomfield Township officials recently learned that Sunoco, the petroleum and petrochemical company headquartered in Philadelphia, is in the process of upgrading a 400-mile long pipeline which runs from western Pennsylvania to Sarnia through Michigan, including Bloomfield Township, and as part of the pipeline upgrade they had purchased a singlefamily site at Groton and Long Lake roads where they planned to build a pump station, necessitating township officials to consult attorneys, develop a contingent plan and have a special board of trustees meeting on Monday, September 16. Sunoco's 8-inch pipeline delivers liquid ethane into Michigan through Monroe, Inkster, Farmington Hills, and Bloomfield Township to Troy, Rochester Hills and then to Shelby Township, township supervisor Leo Savoie explained. Ethane, at standard temperature and pressure, is a colorless, odorless gas, which is isolated on an industrial scale from natural gas and is a byproduct from petroleum refining. When exposed to oxygen, it becomes a gas, and at room temperature, it is extremely flammable. As part of the pipeline upgrade, which is regulated under the federal transportation department, a Sunoco representative explained at the meeting, they are required to build pump stations every eight miles, and within those pump stations they are building safety relief valves. “What it does is monitor the pressure in the line. If it falls below a certain level, indicating a leak or a problem, Sunoco can shut down the pipeline in between the valves remotely,” Savoie explained. Pump stations are currently under construction in Rochester Hills, on Dequindre near Yates Cider Mill, and in Troy at Arlund and Square Lake Roads, one block east of Adams. “Unbeknownst to us, they (Sunoco) bought a parcel at the southwest corner of Groton and Long Lake roads, just west of the Kirk in the Hills church,” Savoie said. “When we became aware of it, we immediately met with our attorneys. It's a single family parcel, and it's not permissible.” Savoie said there is one clause that
does allow a non-single family home to be built on the property, and that is only when it is in the health, welfare and safety of the community. “We met with Sunoco, looked at the project, and indicated that if they built the screening and landscaping of the pump station to our specifications, we would not go to court with them,” he said. Sunoco agreed to black fencing with no barbed wire, approximately $50,000 to $75,000 worth of landscaping on the site, that they would irrigate it and maintain it as they would a single family site. They also agreed to pave Groton, a dirt road which runs between Franklin and Long Lake, which will cost between $350,000 and $400,000. There are approximately 15 homes on Groton. Prior to the meeting, the township had received numerous calls from concerned neighbors. Once residents saw the presentation, Savoie said there were more residents in favor of the pump station and the township's requirements, “because it's a win-win for the township”. Only four trustees were available for the special meeting, constituting a quorum. Savoie, clerk Jan Roncelli, treasurer Dan Devine, and Neal Barnett unanimously voted to approve the pump station, which Savoie said Sunoco will begin constructing in the next week or two.
South site gets new restaurant Home, a new restaurant proposed for the former South location at 210 S. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, overcame its first hurdle by receiving unanimous approval from the Birmingham planning board at its meeting on Wednesday, August 28, for a special land use permit and final site plan review. It will now proceed for final approval before the Birmingham city commission. Kristin Jonna, the owner of the proposed restaurant, stated to the planning board that Home would divide the former nightclub location, seating 175 diners in the new restaurant with a banquet facility able to accommodate another 150 people taking up the other half of the space. The only time there would be dancing would be when the banquet hall is being utilized. Jonna and her family own two other restaurants, Vinotecca Wine Bar
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bout 70 Birmingham residents upset about a service contract for Greenwood Cemetery on Oak Street in Birmingham with Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit came to a public meeting on Tuesday, September 10, to voice their concerns and hear what city manager Bob Bruner would do about it. “It was a good meeting, and it provided a good opportunity for people to get their feelings off of their chests,” Bruner said, although he acknowledged he was surprised at both the turnout of the meeting and at the sentiments expressed. “I was expecting a lot of questions about potential development arrangements for the cemetery. But what I heard was that was different and not expecting was the amount of confusion over the Elmwood maintenance contract and the concern about who has control over the cemetery. “I tried to make it clear that the city still owns the cemetery, and there will be no changes to it without approvals from the city commission and the historic design board,” he said. Greenwood Cemetery, a historic cemetery located off Oak Street north of Greenwood Street, west of Old Woodward in Birmingham, was established in 1821 over almost 8 acres and contains almost 3,000 gravesites, of which 650 date to the 19th century. Notables buried in the cemetery include Elijah Willets, Birmingham's first mayor Harry Allen, Martha Baldwin, George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth, creators of Cranbrook, and Marshall Fredericks. The city of Birmingham has owned and operated Greenwood Cemetery since 1946. At the June 24 Birmingham City Commission meeting, commissioners voted 4-3 to enter into a 10-year service agreement with Historic Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, who partnered with the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Detroit due to proximity, to provide the operations and maintenance of the cemetery for the city in exchange for 100 percent of the interment services and 25 percent of the sale of reclaimed burial sites. Currently, according to city manager Bob Bruner, there are no burial plots available at Greenwood and the city has an interest list with over 100 people on it to get into the cemetery. Individuals seeking to schedule a burial or foundation installation, confirm the location of a grave, and/or be added to the grave interest list now contact Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield instead of the office of the city clerk. Bruner said that there were a lot of people at the meeting who said they did not want the Archdiocese involved with running the cemetery. “They didn't like that and I never expected that,” he said. “I tried to make the point that these are professionals who run cemeteries for a living. It is not a Catholic cemetery now. We could not have someone on staff who could do it as well as they do it.” A renovation proposal would add about 80 new lawn crypts and 288 niche spaces in above ground columbarium would provide revenue for an endowment trust to maintain and preserve the cemetery as well as providing more burial spaces, Bruner said. The endowment fund could be as much as $600,000. Bruner said another big sentiment expressed was that “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Birmingham taxpayers have paid for Greenwood Cemetery's maintenance, to the tune of about $50,000 a year, until the contract was approved with Elmwood Cemetery in June. Bruner said that after listening to all of the public comments at the meeting, he will provide a staff report at the Monday, September 23, city commission meeting “that shows the community that I am listening to their concerns and considering different options.” There will be no action at the commission meeting, and Bruner is not suggesting or recommending a cancellation of the contract with Elmwood Cemetery at this point. “It's something I want to come back and talk to the city commission about and discuss with them about how to proceed,” he said.
CITY/ TOWNSHIP on Main Street in Royal Oak and Vinology Wine Bar on Main Street in Ann Arbor. She said Home would also feature a vast wine selection and a menu that offers a selection from casual to upscale offerings. Her father, John Jonna, stated to board members, “We are going to create a restaurant that Birmingham can be proud of and we can be proud of.” Roman Bonislawski of design and architectural firm Ron & Roman of Birmingham said the restaurant will be designed to create a family atmosphere. Birmingham planner Matthew Baka said, “The applicant is proposing to renovate the existing restaurant, add new signage, and utilize the existing outdoor cafe on private property adjacent to the public sidewalk. The proposed new establishment will be operating with the existing Class C liquor license, which is currently in escrow.” The former South nightclub closed in July 2012, following numerous public safety incidents. Subsequently, the Birmingham city commission amended the city liquor license
ordinances requiring any and all transfers of ownership or location of a liquor license in the city to receive the prior approval of the city commission.
Rojo approved for old Max & Erma's Rojo Mexican Bistro, a contemporary upscale Mexican restaurant, was unanimously approved for a special land use permit and final site plan by the Birmingham City Commission at their meeting on Monday, September 9, for the former Max & Erma's restaurant location at 250 E. Merrill in Birmingham. Rojo, which has locations in Rochester, Novi, St. Clair Shores and Partridge Creek Mall, is a familyfriendly Mexican restaurant open for lunch and dinner with a wide range of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, table-side guacamole and other favorites. Birmingham planning director Jana Ecker said that while Stony Creek Steakhouse was approved to open in the same location in the spring, they “went away.” The plans for Rojo are
very similar to Max & Erma's, she said. “They are keeping the existing bar, and the interior floor plan will remain the same other than the entrance door. After years of pleading with Max & Erma's, this restaurant will have outdoor dining. It will all be on private property, with decorative outdoor screens and planters for an enclosed feel. There are no platforms on the street planned at this time,” Ecker said. She said there will be 22 outdoor seats, located next to the restaurant, with some windows replaced with doors that can open to the outside, creating more outdoor access. The owners plan to strip the wood on the exterior and apply a clear stain, add four red canopies, and hang light fixtures. “Signage is minimal,” she said. Dan Linden, owner of Rojo, is also a Birmingham resident, and spoke to the commission. “We want to bring vibrancy and life to engage the side street,” he said. “We are limiting the outdoor seating at this time to stay within our footprint, to not encroach on the walkability of the street.” He said they could always add an outdoor platform in the street, “if business calls
for it, we'll come back to the city to request it.” He assured commissioners that “we are a restaurant that serves alcohol, not a bar that serves food. While we want a fun atmosphere and an active bar, we are a restaurant first. Our current food-to-alcohol ratio is 73 to 27.” Upon questioning from commissioners regarding whether Rojo was owned by Andiamo's, he said that he is partners with Joe Vicari of Andiamo's in a couple of Andiamo's, including the Novi location. A few years ago, there was an opening in the Fountainwalk Novi location, he said, and their chef, Louis Garza, is from Mexico, as are several food workers. “I had just come back from Puerto Vallarta, it was January, and I said we need to create a Mexican restaurant. We opened Rojo in Novi in 2008.” Linden said Vicari is currently more focused on his Andiamo restaurants and catering operations, and has no involvement in the Birmingham location. Commissioners approved the final site plan and special land use permit, each with a vote of 7-0.
Don’t miss this opportunity to Build your Custom Home…
BLOOMFIELD TWP
FRANKLIN
Gorgeous 2.18 acre of rolling property in a very private and prestigeous location within Bloomfield Twp. and neighboring Poppleton Park in Birmingham. Multi-million dollar area of estate homes. This area also connects to desirable Poppleton Park. Ready to build your private estate home in an exclusive and serene setting. Nature abounds with a portion of the rouge river running through the very rear of the property. 213071208. $349,900
Gorgeous lot on 2.09 acres in Franklin! Desirable estate area on a private, wooded setting with pond. Possible daylight/walkout site. Get ready to build your dream home with your builder or ours, on this premier lot surrounded by multi-million dollar estate homes. 213077557. $699,900
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Bloomfield Hills (248) 647-8888
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DOWNTOWN
Anna Marie Roediger 248-496-3797 amr@realtor.com
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Exquisitely designed... ...with a gracious warmth and elegance. This home offers craftsmanship and quality beyond compare. Hardwood floors throughout most of the home. Six fireplaces. Each bedroom is a suite. State-of-the-art kitchen with amenities to please a master chef, has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens. Luxurious suite over garage. Stunning finished lower level offers great entertaining space. Garage is a true four-car. Second floor laundry. $2,400,000 (213092900)
Barbara Draplin C: 248-613-2092 | bdraplin@cbwm.com
WEIR MANUEL
cbwm.com
Stately and Majestic... ...are two words that come to mind when you drive up to this beautiful hilltop setting in sought after neighborhood. Open and expansive floor plan with dark hardwood floors, updated kitchen and first floor office. Master suite addition with fireplace, spa bath, separate vanities, heated floors, and two walk-in closets. Professionally finished lower level. Three-car garage, heated driveway. $875,000 (213092643)
Sale Pending!
Loaded with charm... ...quality materials, and superb craftsmanship, this 1920’s home was totally renovated in 2003 by Templeton. Wonderful floor plan and designer decor. Gourmet kitchen with limestone countertops open to family room. Fabulous baths. Grand master has adjoining nursery/sitting room. Finished lower level on 2003 foundation. Lovely lot landscaped for privacy including pergola, hot tub, & paver patio. $625,000 (213086829)
Robert Dundon 248-224-6236 rdundon@cbwm.com
Warm, relaxing, comfortable... ...home rests in a treed setting and is close to downtown & Birmingham’s largest park. Pegged oak floors in the living/ dining rooms. Natural fireplaces now use gas, 8 foot deep basement. Exceptional views. Home provides multiple uses as a 3, 4, or 5 bedroom home. Family room over the heated garage currently is used as fourth bedroom with radiant ceiling heat. $535,000 (213087795)
WEIR MANUEL
877-826-2152 cbwm.com
Celebrating Home
Hamburg Township Totally custom ranch with an amazing 693’ of frontage on the point! Totally turn key with all furniture, docks, pontoon and jet skis included. Four-car heated garage and a second two-car heated garage. Volume ceilings throughout. Totally renovated in 2012 including a new kitchen with 42” solid cherry cabinets, Wolf range and Subzero refrigerator, granite throughout. $300K in landscaping, BMW speakers throughout, basketball court, hot tub, fire pit. Lookout loft with spiral staircase. $1,550,000 (213079909)
Farmington Hills Amazing custom home with grand entry! Spectacular two-story great room, first floor master suite with marble and granite glamour bath, two additional master suites, mahogany eight foot solid doors, awesome twostory study with Honduras mahogany judges paneling and art studio above, formal dining room with hand painted silk wallcovering, very open floor plan, private 2.36 acres. Five-car heated garage, elevator, second prep kitchen off main kitchen. Finished lower level with lap pool, third kitchen, family room, office, home theater, sixth bedroom and so much more! $2,850,000 (213090477)
John Goodman
O: 248-675-1241 | C: 248-770-3114 jgoodman@cbwm.com | cbwm.com/jgoodman
WEIR MANUEL
cbwm.com
CITY/ TOWNSHIP No chemicals for Quarton Lake By Lisa Brody
At a public meeting as part of Birmingham's parks and recreation board meeting on Tuesday, September 10, about the proposed treatment plan regarding a proliferation of lily pads on Quarton Lake, approximately a dozen residents unanimously opposed the use of chemicals on the lake, and the board concurred, recommending to the city commission that the lily pads should be mechanically harvested for a cost of $17,500, and that chemical options be discouraged. The Birmingham city commission will consider the treatment options and make the final determination at their meeting on Monday, September 23. Originally a catch basin for Rouge River tributaries, Quarton Lake is part of an eight-acre park with a signature waterfall which was created just north of Maple Road, west of Southfield, when the Rouge River was damned. It is nestled between Oak, Lakeside and Lake Park streets. A surrounding park offers walking and nature trails, a
fishing dock, public art and open parkland. It is believed a dredging project in late 2011 which sucked sediment off the lake floor into drying bags in a grassy area along the lake's western shore on Lake Park Drive precipitated the rapid increase in the lily pads' growth. Lily pads, also known as water lilies, can be beneficial plants that tend to grow in shallow areas, according to the city. However, excessive aquatic nuisance vegetation growth has been present in the lake periodically since 2005 due to low flow conditions and improved water clarity. Special conditions such as warm waters and temperatures, a lack of deep freezeups, and/or droughts are factors that increase the amount of lily pads on water bodies. Nuisance vegetation has grown significantly worse over the last two years, a press release from department of public service director Lauren Wood contended in early July, when neighbors in the area complained over the problem. The department has been actively consulting with Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC), a full service engineering firm
which works with many municipal governments. “Based on the condition of the lake and thorough analysis conducted by HRC, the city recommends beginning treatment this year,� Wood said. “Treatment options include mechanical harvesting and chemical treatments. Overall, the aquatic nuisance vegetation management plan will take between three to five years to restore balance in the Quarton Lake ecosystem.� Stuart Stoller, who lives near the waterfall at Quarton Lake, spoke out at the meeting. “I spoke out about how years ago, maybe 30 or 35 years ago, the lake was dammed, and there was no problem. It only started when it was dredged and dammed about two years ago. That is when everything was stirred up and the vegetation bloomed. I believe this has been caused by a failure of the engineering plan for the dredging. Before we invest in anything else, or do anything else, why don't we get another opinion from another engineering firm?� Other residents at the public hearing agreed, but the parks and recreation board said that while they would note the interest in another
opinion, that was not what the meeting was for. “As a team, the staff will circle back and look at the lake, the dam and, with HRC, will see if we need to bring in another firm in the future,� Wood said after the meeting. Another resident said they believe the growth of the lily pads, which now completely cover a large swath of the lake, is because the water does not move anymore, and the stagnation is creating a bog out of the lake. Residents at the meeting were unanimous in their opposition to using chemical treatment to remove the lily pads, noting that children can often be seen wading or splashing in the lake, and there are people fishing in the lake daily. “People fish in Quarton Lake every single day,� Stoller said. “Because I talk to them, I know that many of them eat that fish. And people who live along the lake use the water for irrigation. If chemicals are put in the lake, it will kill the fish and the water will kill our landscaping.� According to the department of ecology, the water lily is fragrant and is an aquatic perennial herb that grows rooted in mucky or silty sediments in
Christ Church Cranbrook Join us at Christ Church Cranbrook this Weekend: Saturday at 5 PM Holy Eucharist with Music. Sunday at 8 AM
Holy Eucharist in St. Dunstan’s Chapel.
Sunday at 10 AM
Holy Eucharist with Music, Teen Programs, Sunday School and Nursery Care.
Sunday at 6 PM
Lex Orandi Service with Holy Eucharist and Child Care. Have you ever wondered
Join us Mid-Week Monday -Friday at 8:30 AM Morning Prayer Tuesday at 10 AM Holy Eucharist Wednesday at 7 AM and Noon Holy Eucharist
“What is the Episcopal Church all about?� Please join us Sunday Mornings at 9:00 as we explore and learn.
THE Episcopal Church in One Year Christ Church Cranbrook
Christ Church Cranbrook 470 Church Rd. %ORRPÂżHOG +LOOV 0, 248.644.5210 www.christchurchcranbrook.org downtownpublications.com
SUNDAYS 9:00 AM TO 9:45 AM All are Welcome!
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water up to six or seven feet deep. It prefers quiet waters such as ponds, lake margins, and slow streams, and grows in acid or alkaline waters. If unmanaged, they can become dense and cover acres of water, resulting in areas of low oxygen that can develop under the water lily beds. When properly managed to form a patchy distribution interspersed with open water, however, water lilies can provide an excellent habitat for fish, deer, beaver and other wildlife. Mechanical harvesting is done by large machines which both cut and collect aquatic plants. Harvested weeds are disposed of in landfills, used as compost, or in reclaimed spent gravel pits or similar sites. Harvesting is usually performed in late spring, summer or early fall when aquatic plants are close to the water's surface. Up to several acres per day can be cut and harvested and harvesting is considered an excellent way to create open areas of water. The parks and recreation report stated that the harvesting will mechanically remove the plants, which, if approved by the city commission, would begin immediately,
with a completion date of October 10. Wood said she was not certain if the mechanical harvesting would remove the lily pads by the roots, or just shear them off, similar to pruning a bush.
Northern Lakes Seafood moving By Lisa Brody
Northern Lakes Seafood restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, a mainstay on Woodward Avenue for the last 17 years, will be moving to the former Charley's Crab location at I-75 and Crooks in Troy later this fall, according to Eric Djordjevic, president of The Epicurean Group, owner of Northern Lakes Seafood. Northern Lakes Seafood is located within the Radisson Hotel & Suites at 39495 Woodward, in what many local residents still refer to as the old Kingsley Inn. The upscale fish and seafood restaurant will continue to be a seafood restaurant, but will freshen its menu with healthy recipes and fish from local farmers while also keeping classic favorites when it moves to its new location, likely in late October or
early November, Djordjevic said. “We're doing a little relocation. We had an opportunity presented to us, and after seeing the space and the plans and recognizing the opportunity to gain access to a new demographic in Troy, Rochester and Clinton Township, we decided to enter into the agreement,” Djordjevic said. The new Northern Lakes Seafood restaurant will inhabit the long empty Charley's Crab location in the Met Hotel – which will soon be renamed the Allure Hotel. Djordjevic said an exact date for the move is up in the air as they are awaiting approvals for a liquor license, and then will complete renovations. As with the menu, the interior decoration for the new location will have a fresh look and feel. “We want to let the quality of the food speak for itself,” he said. All of the staff is expected to transfer locations. Bloomfield diners shouldn't despair, however. Djordjevic said, “The Epicurean Group is in the process of discussing a long-term lease with the hotel we're leaving, and determining a new concept for that location as well as maintaining our Deli Unique restaurant and catering operations
there. We're still in discussions. If we can come up with a long-term lease, we can create a new version of a restaurant. We love the neighborhood and would love to continue serving guests at that location.” Hopeful that a new lease will be finalized with the owners of the Radisson Hotels & Suites, Djordjevic said he already has a new restaurant concept in mind. “We would need to do a facelift before reopening. After all, it does have a fishhouse feel,” he said. “We would like to have it up and running in a few months.”
Baldwin committee chooses design plan The Baldwin Public Library Joint Library Building Committee has decided to have Quinn Evans Architects further develop Concept C from three proposals for renovation and expansion at the library. Concept C, at a cost of around $22.5 million, would involve taking down both the 1960 and 1980 additions, leaving only the original 1927 building, which would be
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R o c h e s t e r
$ 7 6 4 , 9 0 0
We s t
B l o o m f i e l d
$ 3 9 0 , 0 0 0
Custom Tudor masterpiece by renowned builder Don Krane on 2.56 private acres. Rich stone and woodwork throughout. New gourmet kitchen with premium appliances. Master suite with marble/granite bath. Mahogany paneled den and library. 4 marble fireplaces. Ultimate game/entertaining room. Walk out lower-level with 2nd kitchen area. The best of country estate living, with an in-town location just minutes from downtown Rochester. 213093351 Presented by Kate Hayman
Waterfront contemporary with Bloomfield Hills Schools. Imagine your 600 square foot master suite with it’s own sitting room, full bath & private balcony with serene pond views. Imagine, waterfront entertaining on your large deck off the family room and breakfast nook or on the patio that walks out from the huge lower level great room with wet bar & wood burning stove! Newer furnaces, AC, and door walls. 213080576 Presented by Nancy Karas
We s t
O r c h a r d
B l o o m f i e l d
$ 3 9 9 , 9 0 0
Immaculate contemporary home, with updates and gorgeous décor throughout - Hardwood floors, updated bathrooms and kitchen, finished basement, beautiful landscaping and yard, with an in ground pool. Seller has decorated the home like an interior designer; extremely well maintained and taken care of. Award winning school district with a larger lot and a sun room. This is an 11 on a 10 point scale! 213092210 Presented by Mike Sher
L a k e
$ 3 9 9 , 0 0 0
Newly remodeled Chef’s kitchen with vaulted ceilings, surround system, recessed lighting, & huge breakfast area. Family room with gas fireplace. Lush landscaping & vegetable garden. Newer roof, new windows in 2011. All bathrooms remodeled, granite, & heated floors in main upper bath. New hardwood floors throughout. Across the street from all sports Orchard Lake with boat dock. Half acre lot with grandfathered shed. 213093344 Presented by Bernadette Flaisch
Max Broock Realtors Bloomfield Hills 248.644.4700 4130 TELEGRAPH ROAD BLOOMFIELD HILLS MICHIGAN 48302
Wa l n u t
L a k e f r o n t $ 7 5 0 , 0 0 0
Upper Straits Lakefront
$1,595,900
Fabulous 3 bedroom in secluded location, lakefront home with unobstructed views of all sports Walnut Lake. Completely open floor plan on main level that is perfect for large parties or intimate gatherings. Two fireplaces, hardwood floors throughout main level, updated kitchen & baths, plus more! Finished lower-level walkout with fireplace, perfect for cozying up to in the winter. Presented by Max Broock Realtors
Modern masterpiece on prestigious all sports private lake. 100’ Frontage, 1+ Acre. 2-Story great room, Walls of windows, Magnificent southern views. Gourmet granite kitchen, Sub-Zero, Bosch Appl, countertop seating. Marble & granite powder room, Hardwood floors, Custom spiral staircase. First floor master/guest/inlaw suite. Library custom built-ins. Master suite balcony. 2nd floor loft/office area. Cedar shake roof. 213089302 Presented by Jeff Barker
Fa r m i n g t o n
We s t
H i l l s
$ 8 4 0 , 9 0 0
Unmistakable opulence inside and out. 7,000 square feet of finished living space. Custom architectural details and finishes. Grand 2-story foyer, soaring ceilings, formal living room/dining room, dual staircases, center island, kitchen with granite & seating for family. Enclosed gazebo & family room with fireplace and media center off kitchen. Custom paint & window treatments, 2nd floor laundry, Master suite with his & hers walk-in-closet & private library. Walkout lower-level with media, exercise , wet bar, wine closet and more! 213094805 Presented by Bettye Daly
B l o o m f i e l d
$ 6 9 5 , 0 0 0
Beautiful views, immaculate condition & custom amenities. With original owner, home built w/ style & comfort. Exceptional waterfront, lush landscape, stream & waterfall! Dramatic great room & dining for twenty. Perfect for entertaining w/ stone floors, curved staircases & newer cherry, granite & stainless island kitchen. Sumptuous master suite with marble bath, Jack & Jill & bonus rm. Additional J&J in lower-level walkout w/ full kitchen, bar & family room. 213086703 Presented by Melanie Bishop
Max Broock Realtors Bloomfield Hills 248.644.4700 4130 TELEGRAPH ROAD BLOOMFIELD HILLS MICHIGAN 48302
Lisa LaBelle
Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Home The living is peaceful in this sprawling Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. The floor plan encompasses six spacious bedrooms with plenty of room for sleep and storage, six luxurious bathrooms, and a sleek Poggenpohl kitchen that flows through to the dining room. The walk out lower level is complete with a sunroom, a fitness studio, a dry sauna, and a family theater.
Presented by Lisa LaBelle
With over two acres of property, you will be sure to feel Zen outdoors while listening to the water flowing over rocks and taking in the all the lush landscaping. An incredible estate size lot. $1,495,000
llabelle@skbk.com
248.470.0474 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
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Spotlight on... Gwen Schultz, associate broker with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel, has been in real estate sales for nearly 28 years. She started in this industry as a secretary in a real estate company. With strong diligence and hard-work, she has consistently been a top producer and among one of the top 30 in the State of Michigan. Gwen believes in her community. She has served as a director for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, she is currently a board director for The Community House in Birmingham, and she is also a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors. In her own words: “Getting involved in my community has paid me back tremendously.
Most of my business is referral based.” As a working mother of three (ages 8-12), Gwen truly appreciates family ties. For leisure, she enjoys golf and wake-boarding with the kids. Her bottom line: “I love what I do and that goes a long way to helping me become successful today.” Want to learn more about Gwen? Visit her website at cbwm.com/gschultz
Gwen Schultz 888-684-0419 | gschultz@cbwm.com www.cbwm.com/gschultz
Bloomfield Hills | $1,249,000 A showcase inside and out! Stunning views. 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths Presented by: Barbara Spencer T: 866-277-1781 | bspencer@cbwm.com
Bloomfield Hills | $795,000 Impeccable spacious home on Square Lake. 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 1 half baths Presented by: Steve Cole T: 866-797-0513 | scole@cbwm.com
Bloomfield Village | $779,900 Handsome Georgian Colonial w/great floor plan. 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 1 half baths Presented by: Rosalee Hill T: 866-788-7368 | rhill@cbwm.com
Bloomfield Hills | $429,000 Warm and welcoming. Sun filled white kitchen. 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half baths Presented by: Anita Boyajian T: 888-795-6585 | aboyajian@cbwm.com
Birmingham | $399,999 Classic old world charm. Walk to downtown. 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half baths Presented by: Erin O’Neill T: 888-471-8331 | eoneill@cbwm.com
Bloomfield Hills | $349,000 Attractive bungalow in pristine condition. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath Presented by: Barbara Draplin T: 866-799-6110 | bdraplin@cbwm.com
Celebrating Home
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CITY/ TOWNSHIP enhanced. A new building would be built in the shape of a rectangle on Merrill Street stretching from Chester to Bates the full length of the block, two stories tall with the addition of a basement for three stories of use. The new building would be integrated and connected to the original library on the main floor in the center of the block. Baldwin Library Director Doug Koschik said the committee chose this concept “because it results in the original 1927 building being restored and made more visible than it currently is. The new design will make the original 1927 building stand out in its original glory.” The other aspect of the plan that the committee liked, Koschik said, was that “it also results in a more efficient use of space for the library because the two prior additions were not very efficient.” He said he expects the library to be approximately 25 percent larger than its existing space. Since beginning its expansion and renovation efforts, the library building committee has had certain principles that they felt should guide any work. These principles are: maintaining the
spirit of the Grand Hall, and if possible, letting it infuse the rest of the building; ensuring that all square footage of the building is used to the best effect, including the lower level and second floor; making the library's spaces as flexible as possible since the future will likely bring changes in library usage; create a more spacious, less cluttered layout which would integrate a more retail model; improved lighting; enhanced wayfinding; less shelf space allocation for collections as the move continues from print to electronic formats, and audiovisual materials from print; the importance of keeping the main traffic areas free of clutter. The committee also identified a list of needs for the library, and then of its wants. The higher-priority items, identified as needs, include a larger and better laid out youth room, including a larger children's activity room and a larger and better laid out teen room; more study and collaboration rooms and quiet study areas; improving handicap accessibility; creating a more inviting public entrance, both inside and outside; improving the service desks,
office areas and storage areas for staff, as well as a safe and easy-toaccess staff entrance and a functional loading dock; and improving the organization of the collections. “With this concept, the committee went with some wants plus some needs,” Koschik said. Quinn Evans will now proceed with more detailed conceptual drawings for the committee to analyze by October 1, when they will review them and make more detailed decisions. “We hope to go sometime in October to the planning board and the historic design board with the plans and get their comments,” Koschik said.
Birmingham settles with fur protester By Lisa Brody
The city of Birmingham has settled with Beth Delaney of Ferndale, an animal rights activist who was arrested in December 2012 by Birmingham police for demonstrating in front of Ceresnie & Offen's store, and later was
the subject of a lawsuit against Birmingham by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, which alleged police misused the city's loitering ordinance to violate her civil rights. Following a closed session among commissioners during Birmingham's city commission meeting Monday, August 26, the city announced they had settled with Delaney, which included the payment of damages to her in the amount of $10,000, and $10,000 toward her costs, expenses and attorney fees. It also includes a written First Amendment policy which will be distributed to all police officers in the Birmingham Police Department; a review of the incident with all officers at shift meetings between November 15 and December 15, 2013; and the designation of deputy chief of police Mark Clemence as the contact person to help address questions concerning the city's First Amendment policy regarding the treatment of protesters. According to the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, on July 25, Delaney, 38, is a 20-year political activist dedicated to
Custom Home Building and Renovations Kitchen, Bath and Whole House Renovation Exterior Modifications/Addition Historical Preservation Design/Cost Consultation Member National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Member Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan (BIA) BIA Builder of the Year Award BIA Remodelor of the Year Award NAHB Certified Aging in Place Specialists Greenbuilt Michigan Michigan Historic Preservation Network
81 West Long Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 647-2228 Kelletthomes.com
Since 1978
downtownpublications.com
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5575 SHADOW LN BLOOMFIELD HILLS Spectacular acre lot on Gilbert Lake.Large eat-in kitchen w/granite counters & center island. Elevated deck and finished walkout lower level. Bloomfield schools. $1,399,900
137 DOURDAN BLOOMFIELD HILLS Home to be built. An exclusive development of million dollar plus homes. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 1st floor master, 3 car garage. $1,199,000
836 LAKEVIEW BIRMINGHAM Located on a great street, this home was expanded and renovated in 1997. Four bedroom and 2.2 baths. $699,900
602 RIVERSIDE BIRMINGHAM Fabulous lot backing to woods. Private community in heart of Birmingham. Design your dream home. Lot Price. $699,900
1376 HUMPHREY BIRMINGHAM To be built by HM Homes. Three bedrooms and 2.1 baths. Two car garage. High end finishes and quality throughout. Call for more details. $515,000
751 S BATES BIRMINGHAM Prime location on great street, couple blocks from town. 2 bdrm home, needs updating but offers many options. $374,900
495 S CRANBROOK CROSS BLOOMFIELD HILLS South Bloomfield Village colonial well located on the street with a nice lot. Updated eat-in kitchen. $299,900
CHRIS PERO Associate Broker
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26285 FOURTEEN MILE RD FRANKLIN A short walk to the Cider Mill and downtown Franklin. Updated kitchen and two renovated baths. Many possibilities. $269,900
15640 BUCKINGHAM BEVERLY HILLS Nice brick Beverly Hills ranch on a good lot. Updated kitchen. Two car detached garage. New roof in 2013. $209,900
Over $60 Million Sold Since January 2012 275 S OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM
For additional information and pictures, visit www.chrispero.com
ending animal cruelty. She claimed she took part in her first protest outside of Ceresnie & Offen, a fur store on S. Old Woodward, nearly 20 years ago. The lawsuit claimed she had never had an incident with police, security guards or the public while protesting or distributing literature for her group, Southeast Michigan Animal Rights Team (SMART), prior to December 12, 2012, when SMART arranged for its members, including Delaney, to hold signs and distribute information pamphlets on the public sidewalk outside the fur store. According to the lawsuit, Delaney arrived that day outside the store at 2 p.m. holding a sign depicting two bunny rabbits with the slogan, “Fur kills; don't buy it.” At around 2:40 p.m., an employee at the fur store called the police to report the protesters. According to Dan Korobkin, ACLU attorney, the employee did not claim that the SMART members were interfering with pedestrian traffic or blocking the store’s entrance. “In response to the call, two Birmingham police officers used a surveillance camera to observe the protesters and saw that they were peacefully
downtownpublications.com
assembled, holding up signs and distributing literature. The police told the protesters that they had to be moving at all times, which is absolutely not true,” Korobkin said. “There is no law that says that. We read the city's loitering ordinance, and there's nothing in it that says someone has to keep moving. They cannot block someone on the sidewalk, and they can't block the entrance to the business. Beth was not doing any of that.” Delaney was arrested after questioning officers and asserting her free speech rights, and charged with loitering, a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail. In its statement, Birmingham said the city recognized the two officers had acted in good faith. The police department investigated Delaney's case, concluding in January 2013, with the city providing a legal update to police officers in order to make sure everyone was familiar with the ordinance regarding loitering and First Amendment rights. According to the city, municipal attorney Tim Currier met with all three shifts of the police department, midnights, days and
afternoons on the January 29 and 30, 2013, at in-service training sessions where a lengthy review of the ordinance took place. “All of the officers were asked to review the material provided by the city attorney’s office to further cement their understanding of the rights of free speech and the law of loitering. At the conclusion, the officers understood that a person may protest and exercise free speech as long as they do not block sidewalks, streets or entrances to businesses, and that constant motion or movement is not necessary,” Clemence reported.
Suit from gun-toting teen dismissed By Lisa Brody
A lawsuit filed against the city of Birmingham by a Troy teen who was arrested in April 2012 for refusing to provide proper identification to police while toting a loaded military rifle on S. Old Woodward in Birmingham was dismissed on Friday, August 30, with the court noting that the teen's youthful appearance created valid
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grounds for police to request him to show his ID, and when he didn't, to arrest him. On April 13, 2012, Birmingham police officers stopped Sean Combs of Troy as he openly carried a loaded military rifle through downtown Birmingham. The officers observed Combs’ youthful appearance and believed he was underage and in violation of Michigan’s state law, which states, “an individual less than 18 years of age shall not possess a firearm in public except under the direct supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older.” At the time, Combs had just turned 18. According to Birmingham city attorney Tim Currier, “Upon Mr. Combs repeated refusal to provide his driver’s license, officers arrested Mr. Combs for resisting a police officer, breach of the peace and brandishing. Mr. Combs later provided his driver’s license, verifying that he was 18 years old. The lawsuit subsequently filed was not about the legality of Mr. Combs carrying his rifle openly. Rather, Mr. Combs felt his Fourth Amendment
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4733 MIRROR LAKE
WEST BLOOMFIELD
$519,900
One-of-a-kind custom Herman Frankel home nestled on a corner lot w/ gorgeous mature landscape and rock walls. Steps from West Bloomfield nature trail. Open flr pln w/ soaring ceilings, beautiful custom woodwork & moldings, hardwood floors. Mutschler island kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling windows, 3 fireplaces. Part fin ll w/ wine cellar & many doorwalls bringing the outside in. Too many amenities to mention.
2390 PONTIAC DRIVE
SYLVAN LAKE
$359,000
One-of-a-kind oversized waterfront canal frontage lot w/ Boat Well, possible 2nd well approved by state DEQ. Amazing Sylvan Lake Sunset Views on All Sports Lake. Prestigious location nestled amongst the trees just before the quaint historical bridge. Land is cleared & ready to build your dream home. City and Sewer in. Community amenities; tennis courts, beaches, community center & playgrounds. Only available vacant lot in the village side of Sylvan Lake. Lot is at the end before the Bridge quiet no Boat Traffic. Incredible Opportunity.
3225 MONTMARTE CIRCLE
WEST BLOOMFIELD
$415,000
Location Location Location! Beautiful home situated on a corner hilltop setting w/ BH Schools! Many windows bringing the outside in w/ doorwalls to wrap-around decking. Open flr plan w/ generous room sizes, beautiful hardwood flrs & travertine marble t/o. Perfect home for entertaining! Vaulted ceilings, large granite island KIT w/ cozy breakfast room. 1st flr mstr ste, LIB & laundry. Finished daylight Lower Level w/ Guest suite, FR w/ wet bar. Loads of Storage!
2837 CREEK BEND
TROY
$425,000
Beautiful brick dutch colonial nestled amongst the sidewalks and parks in Longview Acres. Parklike setting with brick paver patio & walkway. Mature landscaping and gardens. Spacious open floor plan with neutral decor. New island kitchen w/glass tile backsplash, corian counters & tons of cabinet space. First floor library, large fr w/vaulted ceilings and fireplace, doorwall to patio. 1st floor laundry, unfinished basement, side-entry garage. Troy Schools.
(248) 219-7653 janhayssold@gmail.com www.janhays.com
2346 SILVER POINT DR
SILVER LAKE
$499,000
Unbelievable Lakefront Value! Beautiful brick home nestled in a private enclave with incredible views from every window on All sports Silver Lake. Open floor plan designed for entertaining and the ultimate lake living lifestyle. Soaring ceilings, spectacular fireplace, doorwalls to decking, floor-to-ceiling windows. Gorgeous hardwood floors, 1st floor master suite w/California closets, Additional bedroom suites and office on upper level. Finished walk-out lower level with in-law suite, wet-bar, billiards room, great room with fireplace. Priced below value for quick sale.
275 S OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM
rights had been violated through false arrest and false imprisonment.� The court disagreed, finding that under the totality of circumstances, including Combs' youthful appearance, police had a reasonable right to ask Combs if he was 18, and that constituted a lawful command and Combs' refusal to provide such proof gave police officers probable cause to arrest him for resisting their command. Combs also filed a malicious prosecution claim, which the court turned down, claiming that Combs failed to provide evidence that the police officer “had made, influenced, or participated in the decision to prosecute him.�
5K race requests for city debated By Lisa Brody
Birmingham city commissioners on Monday, September 9, weighed the pros and cons of four different 5K races on the streets of Birmingham, giving the okay to three and turning down one race.
Commissioners were asked to approve a request by the Junior League of Birmingham to hold the Dash for Destiny 5K Run/Walk in conjunction with the Girls on the Run 5K on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Amy Staya, chairing the Junior League event, said it would be their third annual 5K run, with a typical attendance of 400 runners in a timed, competitive race. For the first time, the Junior League, she said, wanted to coordinate their event with Girls Empowerment, self-esteem and empowerment programs, where girls in grades 3 through 8 would have trained to run or walk the 5K route. The director told commissioners they expected approximately 3,600 participants, family members, and coaches to attend the event, which would start at Shain Park and head south throughout the southwest neighborhoods of Birmingham. “Four thousand participants. That's just too much to ask for our neighborhood streets,� commissioner Tom McDaniel said. Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt said that while the police department
could do it, “4,000 runners are a lot. The reason we red flagged it is because of the impact it would have on the neighborhood. It is a lot of people. The route is pretty concentrated and it really locks down the neighborhood.� Other events Girls on the Run have held have been at Oakland University and at Kensington MetroPark, which mayor George Dilgard noted there are wide open spaces. Commissioner Scott Moore said, “We're dealing with one and a half neighborhoods. We're also dealing with a number that's a quarter of our population on Sunday morning. Both organizations are top notch, but you only have so many gorgeous Sunday mornings. That's kind of overwhelming to me.� Staya then requested that commissioners approve the Junior League's Dash for Destiny, and said they would see if they could work with Girls on the Run by creating a new route, and commissioners unanimously approved the request for Dash for Destiny. Commissioner Rackeline Hoff pulled a request by Lungevity Foundation to
hold a 5K walk for Breathe Deep Michigan the day before, on Saturday, May 3, 2014, but upon learning that they expect approximately 300 walkers and will start at Booth Park, commissioners unanimously approved the walk. The final 5K run request came from the Seaholm Cross Country Team to hold Birmingham Harriers 5K Run on Sunday, October 6, 2013. Hoff said, “We request 90 days notice in advance. Would you consider having it in the spring?� The applicant, a member of the school's cross country team, responded, “Cross country is in the fall, which makes it easier to raise money for it now.� Resident Dorothy Conrad said she thought it was outrageous that the city was going to charge a high school team normal city fees to hold an event, but city manager Bob Bruner responded that all of the events coming forward were charities, and it costs the city to hold the events. Commissioners unanimously approved the Birmingham Harriers 5K Run.
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415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
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FACES
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G
reg Schwartz developed his first mobile phone application about three years after graduating from Birmingham Seaholm High School in 1999, when he designed a mobile checkbook application under the name Mobatech. "Everyone had phones, but there wasn't any content or distribution method available. A couple of carriers starting putting out some distribution methods, and the phones took off," Schwartz said of the development of the mobile application market. "Programming hasn't really changed. When I started in Ann Arbor (as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan), everyone was creating exciting web ventures, but by the time I graduated, the bubble had burst. Everyone carrying mobile phones intrigued me." After graduating from Michigan, Schwartz, a Bloomfield Township native, moved to New York and eventually became the director of of digital business and product development for Warner Music Group. In 2008, Schwartz moved back to Michigan, where he began working with partners to develop a new app he hopes will replace the current idea of people's personal calendars. "I think we are seeing a lot of interesting things, like Google Glass and wearable technology," he said. "A few years from now, we will no longer be limited to carrying a phone. We won't be limited to form factors as we are today." In terms of his own app development, Schwartz said his latest, UpTo, is one of the only apps that isn't limited to realtime or past events by using the future as a space. UpTo launched on the iPhone in March of 2012. The calendar
application allows users to synch Google, Outlook, Facebook and other events in one calendar, and to share events with other people's UpTo calendars. The app, which is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store, has received more than a quarter million downloads. Schwartz said he is now working with organizations, such as professional sports teams and others with websites that have calendar-based content, to incorporate UpTo into their calendars to create a network of embedded calendars that can also drive traffic. The network would essentially allow UpTo users to add events to their calendars with the click of a button. Schwartz said the decision to base the new business venture in Detroit was decided not only by his family roots in the area, but also the lower costs of living and better access to resources. Based in the Madison Building in Detroit, Schwartz is the CEO of UpTo Inc., which in 2011 closed on a $2 million round of venture capital led by Dan Gilbert's Detroit Venture Partners. For Schwartz, the choice to develop the app in Detroit has been made more rewarding as the business has becomes part of helping to retain talented and skilled workers in the city during an entrepreneurial resurgence. "For us, it started as more of a shared frustration with Twitter and Facebook, and the sharing of realtime events and using the future tense as a space," Schwartz said about the inspiration of UpTo. "We set out to build a calendar app, and that's what we are doing now. The calendar is a huge part of our lives. But we took a step back and looked at the tech, and the new versions make it more of your everyday calendar, and so much more." Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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cindykahn.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009
BUSINESS MATTERS Lark & Co. general store Michael Collins and David Zawicki will be offering a unique addition to downtown Birmingham in October when they open Lark & Co., 138 N. Maple, Birmingham, which will operate as a modern day general store with a vintage twist. Collins said Lark & Co. is modeled on the general store of the 1940’s and 1950’s that offered everything from food and clothing to housewares and furniture. “It will offer pretty much everything we can fit in our 1,100 square foot space,” Collins said. Collins said Zawicki will run the day-to-day operations of the store and be the face of the shop. The general store will replace Oliver’s Trendz, which Collins and Zawicki operated in the space for the last eight years. Collins said the decision to change from a women’s accessory shop to a general store will keep the business nimble and fits into the uniqueness of Birmingham’s main street character, rather than an outdoor mall. “I think we need to have a balanced approach. Part of what makes Birmingham so unique is that we have these stores that you don’t see in a mall,” Collins said. “I’m very much in favor or preserving the brick and mortar stores and the preservation of Main Street America. I believe, and there are studies that show, that every dollar spent in a store like mine ends up going back into the community, but every dollar spent in a national goes to corporate.”
New market owner Matt and Sam Gumma no longer own Grape Vine Market & Liquor, 100 W. 14 Mile in Birmingham, but the quality and size of the wine, craft beer and spirits selection that helped to establish the Birmingham shop hasn’t changed, said new owner Eric White. White, who has run the shop since earlier this year when he and his father Angus purchased the
family market from the Gumma’s, said there have been some minor tweaks to the interior, as well as a new awning and bench outside, but the fine wines and wide selection remains. The shop was established as Grape Vine Market in 2007, after being changed from Wesley Drugs.
Photographer honored Birmingham photographer Laurie Tennent was named as the winner of the 2013 Birmingham/Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award by the Cultural Council of Birmingham/Bloomfield. The jury recognized her as a “photographer with a benevolent lens” for her professional achievements as a renowned art and commercial photographer, as well as her impact on the community. Tennent, who operates the Laurie Tennent Studio in the Rail District, has regularly contributed photo assignments for Downtown since the magazine’s launch in October of 2010. She also offers her talents to organizations such as Kids Kicking Cancer, Haven, Michigan AIDS Coalition, Art Road and the Kelly Fund for the Center for Creative Studies. “Her photographs are represented in private and public collections throughout the world,” the council said in its award announcement. “Her civic endeavors have helped to put the Rail District in Birmingham on the map as an artistic destination, and she has been an active board member of the Cultural Council of Birmingham/Bloomfield for several years, working to increase artistic and cultural arts activities in the community.”
Maternity store tenth year Emily Rosenberg was hoping to help soon-to-be moms find stylish clothes to wear during their pregnancy when she opened Bella Belli Maternity store, 790 N. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, a decade ago. Now in its tenth year of
operation, Rosenberg has three young children of her own, leaving much of the operation of the store in the trust of her cousin, Elizabeth Fielder, who now manages the business for her family. “She had many friends who were pregnant, and she always wanted to open a retail store,” Fielder said of her cousin. “Many were coming back from New York and coming back with trendy maternity clothes.” Fielder, who has helped manage the store since it opened, said both the store and family has expanded since it originally opened a few storefronts from its current location. “We started with about 95 percent maternity clothing and some cute, novelty baby items,” she said. “We have kept that focus over 10 years, but with more room at the new location, we were able to expand to include more baby clothing and related gifts.” Fielder said many of the store’s customers are originally from southeast Michigan, but have since moved to larger cities, such as Chicago and New York. While those major metropolitan cities offer a lot by way of fashion, Fielder said Bella Belli is able to pick and choose the best brands and styles from multiple brand-specific vendors and pull them together in one location. That ability, she said, has many expecting mothers visiting the Birmingham store for maternity clothes when they come into town to visit family. “We are a small store, so we get to know our customers,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Hardware store closes After 60 years in business in Birmingham, Neighborhood Pro Hardware, 33801 Woodward Avenue, has closed its doors for the last time. A family-owned business, it was started by Roger and Chuck Reynolds, who ran it together. Roger recently sold the property and retired. For the season, the location will be a Halloween City.
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New furniture store Denmark-based furniture retailer BoConcept will open a new Birmingham store location in the beginning of October at 670 S. Old Woodward Avenue, in the former Azar’s Rugs location. Known for its urban design and customization, the new BoConcept location will offer more than 70 fabrics and leathers, multiple furniture configurations, and the chance for customers to choose legs, arms and cushions on many large furniture pieces, said Kristen Tate, a spokeswoman for the company. Tate said BoConcept’s 2014 furniture and accessories collections will launch in Michigan with the opening of the new store. The company features original furniture designs for the home created by in-house designers.
Merger and name change Physical therapy services offered by Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists and Excel Rehabilitation Services, 43700 Woodward Ave., Suite 106, Bloomfield Township, will offer additional help to its clients under ATI Physical Therapy. Staff at the office will include members of ATI, as the provider transitions to the new name over the next nine months. ATI Physical Therapy specializes in physical therapy, work conditioning/hardening, hand therapy, aquatic therapy, sports medicine and women’s health. Excel Rehabilitation Services, based in Bolingbrook, Ill., operates more than 250 clinics in eight states. ATI is the largest employer of athletic trainers in the nation, with ATI’s sports medicine program providing on-site athletic training services for universities, high schools, clubs and professional athletic teams. Business Matters for the BirminghamBloomfield area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
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DOWNTOWN
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PLACES TO EAT THE RESERVE AT BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE HOSTS 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. Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.792.3579 Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Alcohol. No reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. 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. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.
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877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Alcohol. Reservations. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road,
Grgich Hills Estate Winemaker Dinner CELEBRATING MIKE GRGICH’S 90TH BIRTHDAY PRESENTED BY SEAN BARRETT Thursday, October 10, 2013 | 6:30 p.m. Reception Chef’s Selection Hors D’oeuvres 2010 Chardonnay, Napa Valley • 2009 Zinfandel, Napa Valley First Course Poached Scallops / Hazelnut-Kobocha Squash Ravioli / Sage, Brown Butter Vinaigrette 2010 Fume Blanc, Napa Valley Second Course Wild Mushroom Consommé / Pheasant Crepe 2009 Merlot, Napa Valley Intermezzo Pomegranate-Orange Panna Cotta / Pistachio Froth Principal Course Berkshire Pork Loin En Brick Grilled Romanesco / Quinoa, Crimson Lentil, Farro Salad 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Dessert Course Caramelized Pear Financier Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream / Yolk Crème / Pearls 2009 Violetta, Napa Valley Price Fixed $90.00 in honor of Mike’s Birthday. (Exclusive of Tax and Tip.) Executive Chef Brian Henson 2012 MCCA Chef of the year. Reservations required as space is limited. For more information or to RSVP please call 248.647.7774 or send an email to kjapowicz@bigrockchophouse.com. Save-the-date for our November winemaker dinner featuring Elhers Winery on Thursday, November 7, 2013.
325 South Eton, Birmingham • 248.647.1290 • thereservebirmingham.com
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FOCUS ON WINE A Napa name you might not know but should By Eleanor and Ray Heald
A
s of 2007, Robert Foley and partner Kelly Kehoe became independent wine producers, which according to Foley, “Means we don’t have to work for other people anymore. “In 1998, we started Robert Foley Vineyards and called our first wine ‘Claret,’ a Bordeaux blend of 60 percent cabernet sauvignon and 40 percent merlot. We added charbono in 2002, petite sirah in 2003, and merlot in 2004. We started white wine production with pinot blanc and then added semillon in 2006 because Kelly and I love white wine.” After making red wine all day, Foley lusts for something easy to drink and preferably unoaked. “We are over the oily, oaky chardonnays and herbaceous sauvignon blanc. We were looking for alternative white varieties which are hard to find in Napa Valley. I was talking to a grower who owns vineyards near the Yountville Cross Road who said he had some pinot blanc and semillon available. We purchased the grapes, fermented each in stainless steel and bottled with screw caps to let them develop in the bottle. We like how elegantly they aged.” You might think that winemakers drink only their own wines, but Foley also likes to drink Italian falanghina from Campania, Alsace whites, Rhone white blends and white Burgundy, particularly from Macon. “We prefer California pinot noir and Rhone red blends as well as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. When it comes to cabernet sauvignon, we like the California style compared to those of Bordeaux.” Robert Foley Vineyards 2011 Napa Valley Semillon $25. The vines were planted in the 1930s and head trained like old vine zinfandel. “We harvest in early October at 19 brix to maintain acidity and low alcohol. It is cool fermented in stainless steel with no malolactic. With aromas of orange blossom, citrus and lemongrass, it accompanies fresh oysters.”
Robert Foley Vineyards 2010 Napa Valley Merlot $52. The grapes are grown in the warm Calistoga region and the very cool Howell Mountain AVA. “The mountain fruit gives dark color and big, firm tannins
Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Fox Grill: American. Lunch, Monday through Friday; Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward
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while the Calistoga fruit yields more alcohol, glycerin and broad mid-palate. We fit the two pieces together to get this great texture. The wine is aged in one third new French oak barrels from Radoux cooperage containing 80 percent center of France oak and 20 percent from the Vosges mountains west of Alsace.” Barrels are stored in a cave completed before the 2008 harvest and located near the winery on Howell Mountain. Robert Foley Vineyards 2010 Napa Valley The Griffin $35. Foley creates this wine each year depending on what inspires him in the cellar. “It is a red California blend of 52 percent merlot, 32 percent petite sirah, 14 percent cabernet sauvignon, and a touch of syrah and petit verdot.” Robert Foley Vineyards 2008 Napa Valley Petite Sirah $60. The key to making petite sirah that is not a big, tannic monster “is to let the grape seeds ripen to dark brown and get hard. Harvest should begin only after the bitter taste of the seeds disappears. At this point the phenols in the skin are mature and will yield softer, finer tannins.” Robert Foley Vineyards 2010 Napa Valley Pinot Blanc $25. “We serve this wine after red wines because it is so refreshing and juicy after the big reds.” White peach and tropical fruits are highlighted. It is bone dry and without malolactic fermentation. This wine is newly available in Michigan and great with spicy Asian and Thai cuisine. Foley’s many talents Ten years ago, Foley started a new rock n roll band. He writes the music and lyrics, plays guitar and is lead singer. He is supported by a drummer and base playerkeyboardist. “This summer we opened for Blood, Sweat and Tears on August 15-16 at Charles Krug Winery in a program titled Rock Napa. We have also played at City Winery in Manhattan. In New York, we were joined by Mike Rivera, an all-around musician who is also Ringo Starr’s musical director. He brings a lot of life to the party. In Charlotte we were joined by Branford Marsalis (Wynton’s brother) which was a real thrill.” Eleanor & Ray Heald have contributed to numerous international publications including the Quarterly Review of Wines. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.
Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. 248.792.6109. Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Beer & wine. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Liquor. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch &
Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch &
DOWNTOWN
Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue,
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Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Corner Bar: American. Dinner. Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964. What Crepe?: French. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Breakfast & Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 172 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5634. Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566
AT THE TABLE The Stand – new gateway to Birmingham’s dining scene By Eleanor Heald
O
pened September 30, just off Woodward at Maple, at the eastern gate to downtown Birmingham, The Stand may be called a gastro bistro, yet Chef Proprietor and partner Paul Grosz likens it to “a Euro-American bistro serving food with clean, transparent flavors.” His Chef de Cuisine, 33 year-old Patrick O’Donnell adds, “the foods have layered flavors developed by traditional cooking techniques.” Gastro bistro as a restaurant term originated in France as haute cuisine began to be scoffed at by some of France’s celebrity, Michelin-starred chefs. Haute cuisine is out; simple and affordable is in, they claimed. Even top Paris eateries have changed to a more relaxed ambiance. It didn’t take long for the concept to make its way across the Atlantic and to Birmingham. Partner John Kelly, former managing partner of Capital Grille in Troy, takes the term to its gastro pub roots and defines it as upgraded pub food. He references it to “every kid wanting a lemonade stand.” OK, these two late 40s kids have grown out of the lemonade phase to having some grown-up fun with both the remodel of the former Zazios at this location and a menu with some novel twists at their stand.
room with a color palette of cream, reds and browns against a stone top bar and barn wood adding a casual ambience. These components contrast well with white table cloths and napkins capturing refinement. The Stand seats 250, including seating at the bar, three private dining rooms, a communal table in the bar/lounge and a 10-seat chef’s table for special dinners. Charcuterie Thirty years ago, when Chef Grosz was elevating his culinary experiences in France, he was fascinated by charcuterie. “However,” he says,“ Americans had not yet discovered it. Today, though, Americans have traveled, watched TV cooking shows and are more educated about food. Chefs are catering to this clientele with a greater number of restaurants serving innovative items, such as charcuterie.” By culinary definition, charcuterie is the art of making cured, smoked and preserved meats. In addition to salumi (Italian cured meats) and sausages, classic items include pâtés and terrines among others. When entering the restaurant, guests will pass a distinctive charcuterie room where the preparations of charcuterie Sous Chef Lisa Hysni showcases her 10 items, priced three for $9, four for $12, and $15 for a fixed plate.
Wine service Wait service personnel are familiar with the wine list and can make pairing suggestions for menu items. The wine list comes from the capable palates of Sommelier Michael Gomez What’s new and restaurant partner Even the entrance off John Kelly. Peabody to The Stand has Wine aficionados, who changed from that used by prefer to have personal Zazios. The single element John Kelly and Chef Paul Grosz of The Stand. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent wine selections on hand, remaining from its former can arrange for a wine locker from among those lining the life is the two-story kitchen. The reason: “It is well conentrance wall. ceived,” says Chef O’Donnell, “from a lower level prep area It’s not only wine service that gets the attention of partto the actual cooking and service line upstairs.” Chef Grosz ner owners, it’s overall service. “Our personal initiative,” is adding a few appliances to suit his cooking style. All says Kelly, “is behind both food and all service.” items are made in-house. When a chef with the renown of Paul Grosz and his The Stand, 34977 Woodward (entrance off Peabody), long-popular, French-focused Cuisine restaurant in Detroit Birmingham 248.220.4237. Structure parking off Peabody opens a second venue, the question arises, “Will this be a or complimentary valet. Reservations recommended. Dining duplicate?” hours: Monday-Thursday 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday The Stand’s menu is uniquely different, with a tri-part until 11 p.m. emphasis. One-third has several of the most popular of Cuisine’s offerings, such as braised short ribs and duck confit. Another third is classical French cuisine. The last QUICK BITES third is all new dishes, created by Chef Grosz, that repreIn December, Celebrity Chef Michael Symon, owner of sent new, global food concepts. Roast restaurant in Detroit, will open B Spot Burgers in the Standouts include Wagu Sirloin from Fairway Packing Village of Rochester Hills. You’ll be able to get your shake and Dover Sole wrapped in cured salmon over scampi accompaniment with or without alcohol. shrimp from a Okemos, Mich., shrimp farm – big clues that local and Michigan-made are well served on the menu. Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writesPricing is moderate, with small bar plates $7 to $12, the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for main dishes $18 to $35, and vegan $10. Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com. The menu plays out in the rustic yet refined dining
FACES
Jim Benton
J
im Benton's recognition as an illustrator and writer has come a long way since he first started drawing at a T-shirt shop on Woodward, but the bestselling author hasn't strayed from his roots in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area. “There used to be a T-shirt shop next to where Papa Joe's is now on Woodward, and that's where I started to draw for a living, with thirst. Back then, I did stuff for Stroh's, and the standard funny T-shirts," said Benton, who now maintains a studio in Bloomfield Village, where he lives with his wife and two children. "You learn you can draw something once and sell it a thousand times, and that's what led me into licensing." A graduate of Seaholm High School and Western Michigan University, Benton expanded his work beyond shirts and began making illustrations for magazines and greeting cards, eventually licensing his own works. In the late 1990s, Benton's co-created The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs,” a half-hour animated show on Fox Kids staring Adam West and Micky Dolenz. Benton's series of "Franny K. Stein" books, published by Simon & Schuster, have earned him several awards, as have his "It's Happy Bunny" works under Scholastic. Associated licensing creations have generated more than three-quarters of a billion dollars. Benton's latest success has come with his "Dear Dumb Diary" series, which has sold nearly 9 million books, including three New York Times bestsellers. On September 6, “Dear Dumb Diary” premiered as an original Hallmark Channel movie. The movie and
series follows the life of middle school student Jamie Kelly, who gives readers a first-person narrative through her diary writings. The Dear Dumb Diary series features 17 titles, including "Never Underestimate Your Dumbness" and "The Super-Nice are Super-Annoying." And if you recognize your own qualities in some of the characters, it's because Benton said he was hoping to capture the good aspects of himself and everyone he knows, as well as their less desirable traits. "There's a lot of really shameful human qualities in her, and I think they exist in me and exist in everyone to a certain extent. She's a little more mean spirited. I'm not calling anyone any names. She is unabashedly unafraid to talk about qualities that we try to keep a lid on, but because she is writing in a diary – there's no reason for her not to write it," Benton said. "In the end, she's a better person. Every 30 days, she's a better person. I've always believed that if more people could be better every 30 days, the world would truly be a better place." In terms of his own childhood influences, Benton said he was and continues to be an enthusiastic reader, rarely discriminating against classics or pulp. "I read equal quantities of good stuff and trash – I still do," he said. "I read a lot of classic kid's fiction, like Charlotte's Web, but I also read Batman comics and Mad magazine. I like the good and bad stuff equally, I'm afraid. There's a lot to be said for a book that has nothing going for it." Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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Royal Oak | $209,000 Three Bedroom Ranch. Hardwood Floors Updated Kitchen. New roof. Finished Lower Level
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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Second Annual Business Symposium at TCH We’re excited to invite business professionals to register for TCH’s Second Annual Business Symposium October 24th from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for professional development and structured business networking. It was sold out last year, so people need to start registering now to get a seat! (Details and registration at: www.tchsymposium.org). The symposium theme is “Maximizing Your Success Potential”. This half day conference will be filled with three moderated breakout seminars with four panelists each; facilitated structured business networking at both the breakfast and lunch sessions; and great food (of course)! Equally important: as a nonprofit our goal is to raise $33,000 for our youth 21st Century Leadership, and our iCount™ wellness programs to prevent childhood obesity. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Northwood University – a great business school with a new Troy campus. PNC Bank is the breakfast sponsor; both PNC and Stanislaw Consulting are seminar sponsors; and William J. Vasileff, M.D. is the complimentary valet sponsor – all wonderful partners! We are very honored that Northwood University’s President Keith Pretty will be our luncheon keynote speaker.
Camille Jayne
The symposium has the following three unique components: 1) Structured Business Networking Breakfast & Lunch Sessions: The breakfast and lunch sessions include facilitated business networking exercises that are designed to make it comfortable for attendees to meet others while learning some new business tools. 2) Three Moderated Breakout Seminars of Panelists: Every attendee will go to each seminar with four expert panelists and moderators discussing how to “work smarter” in their areas: SEMINAR 1: DEEP DIVE INTO SOCIAL MEDIA (James Cristbrook, moderator) • Social Media Planning Secrets – Melfi & Associates • Grow Your Business with Social Media – Abood Law Firm • Avoid Mistakes & React to Negative Feedback – Clark Hill • Using Photos & Videos – Vectorform SEMINAR 2: Get the 360° Personal Edge (Jill Jordan, moderator) • Your Visual Graphic Handshake – Identity Graphic Design • First Impressions Business Etiquette – Denise Anne Taylor • Competitive Edge in Sales – PNC Bank • Manage Your Reputation – Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel SEMINAR 3: Master Personal Challenges (David Stanislaw, moderator) • Managing Stress – TAMMA Capital • Embracing Change – Peteet’s Famous Cheesecake • When Health Becomes An Issue – Heartland Healthcare • How to Handle Conflict – The Leadership Group 3) Take Away Information: Each attendee gets a three-ring binder filled with key take away tips, processes, recommended websites and books. Due to great sponsors and a grant, the ticket price is only $60. A great perk for employees! Come learn, meet others, and help the children all in one morning! Again: register now as we were sold out last year at: www.tchsymposium.org.
www.marrellaandco.com
32889 Woodward Ave. • Royal Oak • 248-549-9100 West side of Woodward, one block south of 14 Mile Rd.
Always Buying Items Of Value In ANY Condition We Are One Of Michigan’s Largest Comprehensive Estate Buyers
DOLLAR PAID
for Diamonds & Rolex Watches.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-6 | Saturday 11-5
October Programs “Around the House”: Bulletproof Your Success™ Monthly Lecture Oct 9th: This lecture is all about: “Designing and Implementing a Great, Tactical Business Plan.” Averaging 60 attendees each month, these lectures are a great way to enhance your personal business effectiveness while connecting with others! Whether you work for a company or own one yourself, this simplified approach is excellent. Register at: www.tchbulletproof.org. $35; 11:30am-1:30pm. OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale Preview Party Oct 10th : In our 28th year, this signature fund raising event is the place to be with strolling hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and the opportunity to buy juried art of talented Michigan artists. 35 percent of all sales will be donated to fund TCH art workshops and buy art supplies for underprivileged children. Oct. 10th Preview Party: $75. Open to the public free Oct 11th-12th. Register at: www.tchserves.org or call: 248.554.6596. Book Your Holiday Party at TCH!: Our elegant décor and new menus make TCH the perfect place to book your business or family holiday party! Our space is filling up, so call our Event Sales department at: 248.554.6585 to lock in your date. Thank you for helping TCH remain a vital community education resource!
Let us help you get home - worry free. Chad Whistler NMLS ID 140091
Toni Thwaites NMLS ID 291301
Troy Bergman NMLS ID 140061
THE BIRMINGHAM GROUP:
Call us today for a free preapproval or mortgage analysis! 248.283.8500 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 birmingham@johnadamsmortgage.com
Camille Jayne is President & CEO of TCH. downtownpublications.com
TOP
• Estates Evaluated for Equitable Distribution • GIA / AGS Certified Gemologist • Professional Staff • Immediate Payment • Confidential Transactions • House Calls by Appointment • Competitive Prices Paid
Company NMLS ID 140012
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5 Bedrooms
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6,600 Square feet
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1.6 Acre Lot
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State of the art Home Theatre
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Finished Walkout
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First Floor Master
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Completed in 2011
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Birmingham Schools
5.3 Baths
248.425.6000 jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com
4130 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills
Michigan
48302
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.
Founders Junior Council’s FASH BASH
1 1. Honorary co-chairs Matt (left) and Eileen Kiriluk of Bloomfield with event co-chair Lauren Rakolta Fitzgerald and her husband Michael of Birmingham. 2. Steven (left) and Tara Grekin of Bloomfield with Lindsay and Matt Mourun of Grosse Pointe. 3. Stephen (left) and Legacy cochair Nicole Eisenberg with Stuart Sherr and honorary co-chair Lexa Leatherdale of Bloomfield. 4. Event pioneer Brenda (left) and Howard Rosenberg of Bloomfield with Cheryl and John Burton of Clarkston. 5. Ginny (left) and FJC board member Mark Zeffiro of Bloomfield with Neiman Marcus VP Renee Jankovsky of Grosse Pointe. 6. Honorary cochairs Peter and Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake. 7. Judy and Lauren Anderson of Bloomfield. 8. Shelley Roth and Mark Palega of Birmingham. 9. Jim (left) and Patti Prowse of Bloomfield with Gail Ross of Royal Oak and Curb Gardner of Detroit. 10. Kurt Gibbs (left) of Brentwood, CA with his sister Lauren and Greg Fisher of Bloomfield.
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Preservation Bloomfield’s Corn Roast The preservationists have found an interim use for the Barton Farmhouse at Bowers Farm – an antiques shop. It debuted at the annual Corn Roast, thanks to a lot of hard work by Luba Hotra and both donations and consignment items. More than eight of them went to new homes with the sales proceeds supporting the restoration of the farmhouse into a community educational center. In addition to fresh corn, more than 100 guests of all ages devoured Frank’s hot dogs, crispy munchies and slurpies and perused a silent auction, checked out the barn residents and got their faces painted while Robert Dempster and his Café Boehme musician friends entertained from their perch on high in the gazebo.
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Founders Junior Council’s FASH BASH Rodin’s “The Thinker” had lots of company on the steps of the Detroit Institute of Arts Sally Gerak when more than 800 museum supporters turned out to party there. They were greeted by waiters offering splits of champagne with straws. The weather was perfect, the socializing serious and the comestibles artistic - purple potato crisps filled with crab salad and mini caprese salad served in a spoon, to name two offerings. Mirrortopped stand-up tables and lounge seating areas added convenience and three, living, fashion sculptures added eye candy. They also augured the Neiman Marcus fashion show Ken Dewey staged on a U-shaped runway in the Great Hall. It revved up with a violinist escorted by two male models and rock music but the designer fashions in the show seemed decidedly wearable and not just by model-thin youth. Following the show, the al fresco dance floor was jumping until midnight, under the watchful eyes of “The Thinker”. The event, which was launched in 1970, raised more than $300,000.
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African American History Exhibition Preview The VIP Preview Reception of “Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints” attracted 150 to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. They socialized, sipped and supped on savory cuisine from Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian Steakhouse selected by event planner Curb Gardner because the art was created by the common people of Northeast Brazil. It is starting its national tour at the museum where it may be viewed through Jan. 5, 2014. The rich cultural traditions displayed in the work inspired museum CEO Juanita Moore to pitch the exhibition catalogue for sale in the museum store. They also inspired Yvette Bing to pitch attendance at the museum’s Gala: Brasil! she is co-chairing on Sept. 28 at the MGM Grand. The museum was also a popular place the weekend of Aug. 16-18, when nearly 150,000 people attended the 31st African World Festival staged there. The free, family focused, three-day event featured performances, poetry, arts and crafts, African drumming and dance, hundreds of vendors, ethnic foods and events for all ages, including an expanded children’s Watoto Village.
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Preservation Bloomfield’s Corn Roast
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1. Committee member Pam Williams and PB president Mike Dul of Bloomfield. 2. Richie Gorney (left) and his wife committee member Jan Roncelli with Delorea Atto of Bloomfield. 3. Café Boehme musicians Tony Bernardo (left) of Bloomfield, Michael Ogurek of Royal Oak, Robert Dempster of Bloomfield and Montana TubeWhite of Oxford. 4. Barton Farmhouse Antiques coordinator Luba Hotra of Bloomfield and her brother Zenon Horta of Troy. 5. Joan Cleland (left) and Gale Gordon of Bloomfield.
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WCP Twilight Gathering Alicia and Michael Masse hosted one of the seven 2013 summer fundraisers for the Women’s Caring Program which funds quality, early childhood education for working families. Their lakeside home in West Bloomfield was a perfect setting and their next door neighbor Jonn Shamoun even offered a pontoon cruise to supplement the event proceeds. Some spotted in the crowd of 120-plus included Sylvia Morin, Carole Brumm, Amy Weinstein, Janice Nichols, Patricia Mooridian,
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Marie Remboulis and Beth Gotthelf, plus the cadre of guys in Bermuda shorts serving up drinks and food provided by former WCP board member Diamond Jim Brady’s Mary Brady. The entire scene was enhanced by the music of the Michele Ramo Jazz Trio. It grossed $18,000 and inspired planning for next summer. For more information about the WCP, go to www.WomensCaringProgram.org.
African American History Exhibition Preview
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1 1. Detroit First lady Yvette Bing (center) with Linda Gillum (left) and Lisolee Moten of Bloomfield. 2. Michigan Humanities Council’s Erik Nordberg (left) of Holt ad judge Leo Bowman of Bloomfield, museum CEO Juanita Moore and Mame Jackson of Detroit and Sr. Barbara Cervenko of the Adrian Dominicans. 3. Greg Dunmore (center) of Detroit with Walt and Retha Douglas of Bloomfield.
Catwalk for a Cause Tatum Schwartz and Caroline Reason’s third Catwalk for A Cause attracted a full house to the Fenton Family’s auto-themed Troy warehouse for the high energy runway show of fashions modeled by 48 local teens from eight area high schools. They each made a generous donation ($100) to Christ Child House for the opportunity to model fashions from J McLaughlin, Double Up, Cache, The Tux Shop, Found Objects, Rococco, Don Thomas Sporthouse, Lexi Drew and Detroit Respect T’s. Figo Salon, Paul Mitchell and L’Esprit made them gorgeous and Nino Salvaggio and Primo’s provided comestibles for the pre and post show partying. The event founders are now off to college with the knowledge that their philanthropy will help the at-risk boys who call Christ Child House “home”.
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Catwalk for a Cause
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1. The Teen Models. 2. Mallory Hudson of Marian. 3. Jeff Martin of Cranbrook Kingswood. 4. Kaitlyn Wood of Academy of the Sacred Heart. 5. Caroline Reason of Marian. 6. Tatum Schwartz of Marian. 7. Abbey Hildebrand (left) of ASH and Caroline Hall of Marian. 8. Patrick Cosgrove of Brother Rice and Maddy Monahan of Bloomfield Hills HS. 9. Event chairs Tatum Schwartz (left) and Caroline Reason of Marian. 10. Paul Fortin of U of D Jesuit and Allie Wilberding of Marian. Photos by Jason Loudermilk.
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Forgotten Harvest’s Champagne Cruise There’s no better vantage than the tented parking lot at Westborn Market in Berkley for watching the Friday night preview of the Dream Cruise. More than 600 ($150-tickets) attended the 11th annual Champagne Cruise there benefiting Forgotten Harvest. The hospitality provided by 14 restaurants was also first rate. It included seafood paella (Detroit Seafood Company), BBQ rib tips (Beans & Cornbread) and huge shrimp (Westborn Market), to name but three of the culinary offerings. Pommery Champagne flowed freely and the Randy Brock Group music and Detroit Circus stilt walker amused. A silent and live auction helped bring the event total to a figure that will enable 260 emergency food providers to serve nearly 700,000 meals. Bloomfield Township Classic Car Show A good Dream Cruise viewing spot on Saturday was at the MercedesBenz dealership where the Bloomfield Township Classic Car Show was ensconced. Music and chatter by the folks from 97.1 FM “The Ticket” com10.13
peted with the mufflers from the cars rolling by on Woodward but the 35 cars on display provided up close views. Included was Marshalll Hunt’s 1976 Lancia Scorpion, Steve Park’s 1941 Pontiac which has been in the family since it was brand new, Bonnie Polen’s 1967 Corvette and Ken Way’s 1957 Chevy Bel Aire parked next to John Wagner’s 1957 Chevy Station Wagon. The two latter cars evoked memories of youthful parties we promised not to report. Because the car registration fees ($50 or $60) are earmarked for the Bloomfield Hills Optimist Club, Bloomfield Township Fire Department Charities and Bloomfield Township Police Department Benevolent Fund, lots of emergency workers were on hand. DAR Piety Hill Chapter Veteran Salute Patriotism was on display as the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Piety Hill Chapter hosted over 75 veterans at their third Woodward Dream Cruise Reception honoring veterans. A hospitality tent set up in front of Woodward Camera offered covered seating for viewing the cars and sharing memories. The Piety Hill Chapter was founded in 1935 and is one of the nation’s largest. Assistance League’s Estate Sale Birmingham’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was a bargain hunter’s bonanza when the Assistance League brought four truckloads of goodies there for its three-day estate sale. Nearly 100 people turned out for the First Night, First Choice opening. Before it closed three days later a stream of customers snapped up treasures like a collection of Indian pottery and Madame Alexander dolls. One young couple was thrilled to get a $3,000 traditional dining room table and eight chairs for $1,000. Most of the unsold items will be donated to the God’s Helping Hand charity, but some Limoges boxes and Austrian beer steins will be featured at the AL’s ReSaleConnection shop in Rochester and the Mistletoe Marketplace fundraiser. The later is 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Twp. For tickets, call (586) 281-3787.
Forgotten Harvest’s Champagne Cruise
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1. Jeff Abrash (left) of Bloomfield, event chair Ron Pruette of Oxford and Westborn Market host Mark Anusbigian of Birmingham. 2. Kathy Abrash (left) of Bloomfield, Annrea Anusbigian of Grosse Pointe and Donna Anusbigian of Birmingham. 3. Penny (left) and Rick Persiani of Birmingham with Debbie and Bruce Kridler and Chuck Mascari of Bloomfield. 4. Marlene O’Brien (left) of Northville, Mary Locklear of Neptune Beach, FL and Denise Abrash of Bloomfield. 5. Bill and Deb Gollnitz of Bingham Farms.
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Bloomfield Township Classic Car Show
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1. Exhibitor Ken Way of Bloomfield with his 1957 Chevy Bel Aire. 2. Bonnie Polen (left) and her daughter Laurie with Cynthia Heyman of W. Bloomfield and Sharon Edelman of Birmingham. 3. Event manager Carrie Zarotney (left) of W. Bloomfield and Kristi Pavlak of Royal Oak. 4. Police chief Geof Goudard (left) with Barney Barnes and dispatcher Meg Fouss. 5. Bloomfield Township’s Sgt. Kurt Dudek (left) with officers Jim and Bob Zaremba.
DAR Piety Hill Chapter Veteran Salute
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4 Habitat Gala Kick Off Tea In her career as a development professional in the non-profit arena, Joyce Russell has made lots of friends. She invited a dozen of them
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1. Diane Schrift of Birmingham. 2. Todd Rachel (left) of (Lake Orion), Christine Richman of Bloomfield, Brenda Cheshire of Oak Park, Gabe Stahl of Troy and Barbara Suhay of Birmingham. 3. Judy and Roger Sherman (center) of Bloomfield with Liz Weidner (left) and her daughter Ruby McCall of Birmingham. 4. Susan Gallager (left) of Birmingham, Martha Stahl of Troy, Jeanette Keatts of Rochester and Mary Ellen Cortright of Waterford. 5. Liz Weidner (left), her mother Rudy Weidner and daughter Ruby McCall of Birmingham. 6. Doug and Christine Richman of Bloomfield. Photos by Doug and Janet Ashley.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Assistance League’s Estate Sale
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1. Event chair Kay Scheidt (left) of Bloomfield, Sandra Avery of Macomb and Joanne Ayorb of Sterling Hgts. 2. Rosemary Scheidt and Rev. Randy Schlak of Birmingham. 3. Karen Fleury (left) of Rochester and Merle Turner of Bloomfield. 4. Walkria Hockey (left) of Rochester and Kris LaVanway of Birmingham. 5. Valerie Westley (left) of Rochester and Lorna Salmon of Bloomfield.
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Habitat Gala Kick Off Tea
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1. Janet Haddad (left) and event chair Susie Mansoor of Bloomfield and Veronica Carmona of Rochester Hills. 2. Virginia Alan (left), Renie Jonna and Pam Boutrous of Bloomfield. 3. Pam Gray (center) of Bloomfield with Habitat for Humanity’s Joyce Russell and Tim Ruggles.
SAKS Blast!
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1. Linda Orlans (left) of Birmingham with event co-chair Stephanie Kasapis Zekelman and her daughter Sam of Windsor, ONT. 2. Honorary event chairs Alex (left) and Lil Erdeljan of Bloomfield with Adele and Michael Acheson of W. Bloomfield. 3. Event co-chair Barry Zekelman (left) of Windsor, ONT, with Tom and Diane Schoenith of Grosse Pointe. 4. Jane (left) and Gus Kasapis of Bloomfield with Bill and Nancy Sheils of W. Bloomfield. 5. Ed and Linda Dresner Levy of Birmingham. 6. Scott (left) and Roz Jacobson and Amie and Daniel Stern of Birmingham. 7. J. Mendel designer Gilles Mendel with Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield and Don Manvel of Birmingham. 8. Douglass Grech (center) of Birmingham with Lucia Zukowski (left) and Don DeClercq of Bloomfield. 9. Rickie Lynn Rundell (left) of Shelby Twp. (left) with Anna Karla Abu-Ali and Jennifer Breasbois of Birmingham.
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SAKS Blast! Stephanie and Barry Zekelman, Lil and Alex Erdeljan and Saks Fifth Avenue pulled off a first. They got so many sponsors for the party benefiting Detroit’s Karmanos Cancer Institute and Windsor’s Transition to Wellness that they had to scramble to find seats for all at the J. Mendel fashion show. It was staged in a tent on the parking garage roof. Before the show the 850 guests, with DJ music in the background, socialized, sipped, nibbled, bought raffle tickets and met the personable designer Gilles Mendel. Stephanie, Lil and SFA’s Ina Levinson thanked everybody before the models hit the runway. The collection of 32 classic, luxurious ensembles wowed the crowd. But it took a former model like Lucia Zukowski to notice that all the models wore their hair in a pony tail. An After Blast party continued in Somerset’s South Rotunda where dancing, dinking and munching prolonged the merrymaking. The chic soiree raised an incredible $1.2 million.
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for tea and a torte at The Townsend and to meet her new boss, Habitat for Humanity’s Tim Ruggles. His tales of how Habitat empowers people in need were inspirational. That the organization also gets a return on its investment via the mortgages it holds for the new homeowners it creates also indicates economic savvy. The tea goers had previously committed to bring their savvy to Habitat’s 2013 Fall Extravagance Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Townsend. Susie Mansoor is chairing the event that will feature dinner and a mini concert by Alexander Zonjic. For tickets ($175, $250-benefactor), call Russell at (248) 338-1843, ext. 226.
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Big Wine Classic “You’re the best crowd ever,” Chris Lievois told the 256 dinner guests gathered at Birmingham Country Club for the eighth annual Robert A. Schuele Scholarship Fund benefit. The fine dining followed an afternoon of golf, maxed out at 128, according to Bart Tinsley, and socializing on the terrace and around fine wine stations stocked by the participants with help from the experts at Holiday Market. Tinsley and Lievois, along with eight other guys, form the committee dedicated to keeping alive their late friend’s vision of making a difference in the lives of young people. They grant full-ride, four-year college schol10.13
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK arships to deserving students who need financial aid. The cost of college being what it is, it takes about two Big Wine Classics to raise enough money for each scholarship. Two of the four recipients were at the club. After Bailey Hulswit, a sophomore at Michigan, first noted that she had learned she was not meant to be an engineer she thanked the donors “…for a chance to achieve a dream.” Andrew Ferguson, an MSU senior in education, said a first grader had made him a better person. “You’ve changed my life and I want to change thousands,” he concluded. And wine being the spin that sets this charity golf event apart from all the others, the winners’ trophies are magnums of fine wine.
Big Wine Classic
1 1. Boys and Girls Club executive director Brett Tillander (left) of Clarkston with Bart Tinsley of Beverly Hills and Chris Lievois of Bloomfield. 2. Paul (left) and Melanie Dunleavy of Minneapolis, MN, Bob Joseph of Bloomfield, Steve Eick, Christine and Dave Provost of Birmingham and Tom Violante, Jr. of Troy. 3. Mark Woods (left), Chris Lievois and Kirk Taylor of Bloomfield with John Scodellaro and Bernie Ronnisch of Birmingham. 4. Tom Gleason (left) of Hinsdale, IL with Ed Shaw of Birmingham and Lyle Shuert and Ren Carlton of Bloomfield. 5. Scott and Ashley Picklo of Birmingham. 6. Michelle Lievois (left) and Christine Giampetroni of Bloomfield and Babbie Thomas of Birmingham.
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Arts du Jour
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3 1. Lori and event planner Jon Witz of Troy. 2. Peter (left) and Janet Stenger of Birmingham, Rosemary Kelly of Bloomfield and Rose Hill CEO Ben Robinson of Rochester Hills. 3. Jim and Georgette Sheehan of Bloomfield. 4. Ed (left) and Pam Boutrous of Bloomfield and Tom and Annie Boutrous of Birmingham. 5. Mary Stahl (left) of Farmington Hills, singer Kem of Lathrup Village, Ginny Cook of Birmingham and Rita Fields of Southfield.
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Arts du Jour Some 751 supporters of 10 charities convened at the Ford Arts, Beats and Eats charity preview party. It was moved from the Farmers Market to Royal Oak’s spacious Hallman Memorial Plaza which accommodated lots of restaurant tents but made finding one’s pals a challenge. We spotted some from South Oakland Shelters and Rose Hill Center who did succeed in banding together. The weather was perfect for the mostly al fresco event and the food from 50 area restaurants was decidedly appealing. Event entertainment was provided by Killer Flamingos, Otto Vector, Tom Butwin, and Candace Sosa with RJ Clark who also performed during the Labor Day weekend festival. Arts du Jour raised $32,000 for the charities. Angels Place’s Family Fun Day Tom MacLean and Kathy Kupelian and their committee put a Summer in the D spin on the annual event set up at the Detroit Country Day School campus. In addition to Kathy Carroll’s art featuring the Fox Theatre, Motown and Tiger Stadium, there was a display of Michigan-made products like Faygo pop, the McClure family donated their gourmet pickles and chips, and the Detroit Tigers mascot Paws cavorted among the activities and the games Mark and Amy Carroll and their family have coordinated for the past 11 years. Mary Callaghan Lynch and her Motor City Lyric Opera chorus sang Broadway hits, and the UD Lacrosse team demonstrated its division champs form. Lots of volunteers from area schools helped the 400 guests, which included the residents of the 20 10.13
Angels Place homes for mentally handicapped persons. The event raised $45,000 and was a harbinger of the Angels Place Annual Dinner slated for Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Henry. It will feature Detroit Tigers boss Dave Dombrowski as the keynote speaker. All are hoping his charges will have put a World Series spin on the D by then. ORT’s Rub-A-Dub Speaking of Detroit, ORT’s annual Rub-a-Dub at Franklin Hills Country Club used ImpORTed from Detroit as its theme, too. Robert Colburn, Seth Rogers and Randy Wertheimer chaired the event that the Suburban Collection and Infiniti presented for 465-plus guests. They socialized big time, dined, bought raffle tickets ($40,000) and bid in live and silent auctions ($115,000). A Jaguar f-type convertible highlighted the live auction which also offered his and hers made in Detroit Shinola watches and a Bixby Shinola bike. Southfield Pediatrics sponsored a candy station where signage said ““We hope you had a sweet time” and guests could fill their own bags before departure. Everybody also took home Better Maid Potato Chips and a bottle of Faygo pop donated by the Detroit Shoppe in the Somerset Mall. The event grossed nearly $400,000 for ORT’s worldwide educational mission. TCH Farm to Table Strolling Block Party There was no traditional water balloon toss or tug of war, but the first block party staged by The Community House to put the spotlight on Michigan grown products sure had lots of yummy chow, and there were balloon sculptures and face painting for the kids and no food prep chores for their parents. The offerings from 44 participating food purveyors plus beverage makers ranged from the superior ragout Master Chef Dan Hugeli was stirring up with six varieties of wild mushrooms and a cognac cream to the gourmet pizza being served at Amici’s station. And talk about Michigan grown, Amici’s pizza was made using heirloom tomatoes grown by Amici’s bartender Jill Nienhuis in her Detroit Brightmoor neighborhood backyard where she also grows the basil that was in the pizza’s pesto accents. That 700 people ($25-adult, $10-children) flocked to the al fresco event chaired by edible WOW publishers Kate and Robb Harper indicates downtownpublications.com
TCH Farm to Table Strolling Block Party
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1. John (left) and Carol Aubrey of Birmingham with edible WOW publishers event chairs Kate and Robb Harper of Bloomfield. 2. Rosa Matikainen (left) and her son Aston Adams with Kaidi Laansaki of Bloomfield. 3. Scott and Michele Rosenblum and their son Joshua of Birmingham. 4. Dave Royer (left) and John Watts of Birmingham. 5. Deb Wahl (left) and Lynn Gillow of Birmingham. 6. Brian Dietz, his son Leo and wife Debora Myers of Birmingham. 7. Layla Almassy (left) and Lacey Greyerbiehl of Birmingham. 8. Jane Imerman (left) of Bloomfield and Julia Berry of Troy. 9. Sandie (left) and Joe Knollenberg of Bloomfield with Veritas Distributors’ Sam Awadish and his wife Kris of Novi. 10. Peabody Restaurant’s Kelsey Peabody (right) and Yolanda Haynes (left) of Southfield getting a serving of gazpacho.
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CARE Night Thank You Reception
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1. Event host Kappy Trott (right) of Birmingham with Chuck Ghesquiere (left) and Armen Darakjian of Bloomfield. 2. Event host David Trott (left) and Dr. Susan Ivanovic of Birmingham with Steve and Ann Templeton of Bloomfield. 3. Dr. Charles Boyd (left) of Birmingham, event co-chair Lisa Payne and Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield and Jaime Rae Turnbull of Clarkston. 4. Julie and Carl Camden of Bloomfield. 5 Elyse (left) and David Foltyn of Birmingham and Lori Wingerter of Oakland. 6. Michael (left) and Elizabeth Kojaian and Vicki Celani of Bloomfield. 7. Bob Pulte (center) of Bloomfield with Peter and Lori Mauthe of Waterford.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK it is an event whose time has come. And a perfect harvest time addition to the local scene.
Hall & Hunter’s Estate Sale
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CARE Night Thank You Reception Dave and Kappy Trott entertained CARE Night Charity Ball sponsors and table hosts at a friendly cocktail event at their Birmingham home. Guests included Steve Templeton whose company orchestrated the extensive remodeling of the Quarton Lake Estates classic. While the several dozen guests were sipping, supping and socializing, CARE House board chair Vicki Celani was in the library with Lightshine Production’s David Bark, who was filming a video that will premiere at the soiree Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Townsend. Kappy, her co-chair Lisa Payne, and CARE House director Carol Furlong took a few moments to recognize the generous contributions of the guests, including Jaime Rae Turnbull. She was representing Art Van which is donating the lounge set for the Kara DioGuardi concert at the ball. After the Grammy-nominated singer takes her final bow, the furniture will be auctioned to the highest bidder for the benefit which helps abused children rescued at CARE House. For reservations ($250 and up), call Furlong at (248) 332-7173.
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1. Event chairs Gillian Lazar (left) of Birmingham and Pam Gray of Bloomfield. 2. Melinda Allen of Bloomfield and Chris Camilli of Rochester. 3. Emily Day (left) of Bloomfield with Johnna Struck of Waterford and Lori Stefek of Grosse Pointe. 4. Habitat for Humanity CEO Tim Ruggles (left) of Highland and Hall & Hunter CEO Dennis Wolf of Birmingham. 5. Tiffany (left), Jason, Nathan and Ryan Glime of Birmingham. 6. Wendy Leonard (left) of Royal Oak, Joyce Russell of Warren and Joan Frank of Bloomfield. 7. Julia and Hall & Hunter Exec. VP Brad Wolf of Birmingham and their children Alex and Grace. 8. Jim Gray (left) of Bloomfield, Kathy Wolf and Peter Sobelton of Birmingham.
Hall & Hunter’s Estate Sale Few charity events involve two organizations with such a symbiotic relationship as Hall & Hunter Realtors and Habitat for Humanity. Many H&H clients are only too happy to make donations to Habitat’s low income familes of furnishings they do not wish to move. And, thanks to Johnna Struck’s moving company, they can easily do so. For ten years she has been picking up and storing the donations and then bringing them to the annual sale in a huge tent erected on the H&H parking lot. For this 10th anniversary year, Melinda Allen, one of H&H’s 85 agents who worked on the sale, directed the staging and estate sale pro Lori Stefek priced everything. The night before the sale opened to the public, event chairs Pam Gray and Gillian Lazar welcomed 75 agents and their families to a party previewing the scene. The sense of accomplishment was palpable and the food, generously donated by 17 local eateries, was splendid. It was also nourishment for the next day’s sale which attracted countless shoppers and raised an event record of $27,000. What bargain hunters did not buy was moved one more time – to Habitat’s Re-Store at 150 Osmun Street in Pontiac.
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ArtLoft Shopping Benefit for Lighthouse Rachel A-Woods welcomed several dozen Lighthouse of Oakland County supporters, including Melissa Stebbins, Janet Margherio, Betsy and Kevin Laboe, Marcy Hayes, Gail Van Cleave and Julio and Julie Sosa, to her Birmingham ArtLoft gallery on Sept. 6 for a Sip & Shop event. They sipped, nibbled and shopped, especially from the fashion, jewelry and home accessories inventory. A-Woods donated a percentage of the sales to Lighthouse which was launching the planning for its annual Lighting the Way for the Holidays event. This year it will be Sunday, Nov. 10 at The Townsend. It will feature exquisite holiday trees, wreaths, center- and mantle-pieces from area designers/celebrities, a strolling supper and cocktails. It kicks off fundraising for LOC’s Thanksgiving and Holiday programs that provide meals and gifts for more than 1500 impoverished families. For more information, contact Priscilla Perkins at (248) 972-1487.
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Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.
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ENDNOTE
Common Core standards: common sense
E
ducational changes have once again come to Michigan and a majority of the United States in an effort to create a set of national standards to better prepare students for college, careers and international academic competition. Called the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for K-12 in English, language arts and mathematics, they were developed through a stateled initiative coordinated by the National Governors Association, the National Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers, representing superintendents from across the country. Participating states, including Michigan, worked with them alongside a wide range of educators, content experts, researchers, national organizations and community groups. The federal government was never involved in any way in shaping or mandating Common Core, despite some politicians claims that they are an effort by the Obama administration to wrestle control from individual states or local districts. It has been a state-led and state-driven initiative from the beginning, with Gov. Rick Snyder a strong supporter. The Common Core initiative first began back when President George W. Bush was in office, led by the National Governors Association, a nonpartisan organization with a strong Republican bent. The national initiative began in 2009, and was adopted in June 2010 by the Michigan State Board of Education which began implementing it in the 2010-2011 school year, with full implementation to be complete by the 2014-15 school year. Michigan is one of 45 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and numerous private and parochial schools across the country to have adopted the Common Core, which is a set of standards for
English, language arts and mathematics, not a set curriculum that every district has to follow specifically. Rather, it offers guidelines and benchmarks for where students should be at given grades and levels, and invites teachers to find innovative ways to instruct different types of learners to help them achieve successful results. Local superintendents and teachers are supportive of the Common Core, because as Bloomfield Hills Schools Director of Learning Services Heidi Kattula Ed.D noted, “It's a shift from previous content expectations. These standards utilize modeling and relevant educational and real life applications.” “Content area standards are not new. These standards have been in place for a decade and a half. What was found was that we had too many standards, they weren't rigorous enough, and they weren't clear cut enough,” Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Nerad said. “There were calls for higher standards in the nation's schools, and a clear call for students to be more internationally competitive.” “There is no specific, mandated curriculum. No one is saying you have to use these books. The curriculum we wrote as an ISD are generic enough a teacher can choose their own books and tools,” Delia DeCourcy, literary consultant for Oakland Intermediate Schools, explained. “It creates a very student-centered classroom with more discussion in the classroom. There's no more 'sage on the stage.' It's learning by discovery, how you learn in the real world. Administrations are overwhelmingly positive and excited to provide professional support for it.” Yet, Michigan legislators are currently debating whether to support and fund Common Core, held
hostage by a Tea Party contingent led by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Rochester), who sponsored House Bill 4276 which would have Michigan opt out of the Common Core curriculum and deny its funding. He told Downtown his motivation is because “before Common Core, we owned the discussions. I oppose Michigan having their state rights, their authority taken away from them.” He also doesn't like that students will have to take assessment tests on computers because “you must type. Lots of kids don't know how to type.” Really? Isn't the point of Common Core to make our students more competitive? One way is to become computer-literate. Several local legislators, such as state senators John Pappageorge (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) and Mike Kowall (RWhite Lake, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, West Bloomfield), said they were impressed with Common Core, but hadn't made up their mind yet about their vote. However we applaud state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield) for standing up for his principles, and his principals, when he said, “The Tea Party isn't going to like it, but I'm going to support Common Core. It's a basic skill set for K-12. I have to listen to my educators and the superintendents in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield all support it. I have to support my district, and not the Tea Party.” Common Core makes a lot of common sense to us. Educators and administrators are seeking the best English and math standards for our children, to prepare them for college and careers that will help them succeed. It's time for lawmakers to recognize that, and provide that support.
Outsourcing cemetery services logical
B
irmingham's city commission approved a resolution in June to enter into a 10-year service agreement with Historic Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit to provide burial and maintenance services for Birmingham's Greenwood Cemetery, which the city has owned and operated since 1946. Since that June city commission meeting, a small but extremely vocal group of residents has made their displeasure known. City manager Bob Bruner has acknowledged he was caught unaware by an agreement which he thought was a routine cost saving measure.The goal in outsourcing the burial and maintenance operations was done to save the city upwards of $50,000 a year to maintain the cemetery. Currently, there are only about a dozen burials a year at Greenwood, and there are about 100 people on an interest list for a plot at the cemetery, although there are no plots currently
available for sale. Further, Birmingham has no professional gravediggers on staff. Greenwood Cemetery is a historic cemetery located off Oak Street north of Greenwood Street, west of Old Woodward in Birmingham, which was established in 1821 over almost 8 acres and contains almost 3,000 gravesites, of which 650 date to the 19th century. Notables buried in the cemetery include Elijah Willets, Birmingham's first mayor Harry Allen, Martha Baldwin, George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth, creators of Cranbrook, and Marshall Fredericks. The 10-year service agreement with Elmwood Cemetery, which partnered with the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Detroit due to proximity, has Elmwood providing the operations and maintenance of the cemetery for the city in exchange for 100 percent of the interment services and 25 percent of the sale of reclaimed burial sites. At a recent meeting with upset residents, Bruner
pointed out that Elmwood and the Archdiocese are professionals that run cemeteries for a living, Greenwood remains a Birmingham cemetery with no religious affiliation, and that the city cannot afford to have someone on the staff to handle burials as well as Elmwood does. Despite these citizens demands, he does not recommend canceling the contract with Elmwood. And there is no reason to do so. Bruner and the city are correct to outsource this service. Birmingham became custodian of Greenwood Cemetery when Martha Baldwin's $1,000 maintenance bequest ran out. Elmwood was the only bidder when a request for proposal for services went out. They are qualified and performing the service as a business. The city must look at all its expenses, examine where to trim them, and maximize its efforts to where they can best be served for the benefit of all of Birmingham's residents.
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