PLACES TO EAT: 200 RESTAURANTS • GERAK: SOCIAL LIGHTS 48
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP
THE FOOD CHAIN: HUMAN WASTE SLUDGE ON FARMS WHISTLEBLOWER: REPORTING GOVERNMENT MISDEEDS ENDNOTE: ROCHESTER SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM
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DOWNTOWN04.17
20
From waste treatment facilities to the farm fields Statewide, about 85,000 tons of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants was applied to about 18,000 acres of agricultural land in 2016, and while officials say the practice is safe, not everyone agrees there are sufficient safeguards.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
10
There could be a ballot effort to change how we draw political district lines in Michigan or the federal courts could put an end to the practice of political gerrymandering.
CRIME LOCATOR
15
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Rochester and Rochester Hills, presented in map format.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
16
Oakland state rep makes the lobbyist foodie list; anti-Semitic chants at convention; two local U.S. House districts on target list; Justin Amash the new anti-Trumpster; Kowall and the internet gambling issue; the long-awaited Trott townhall meeting; plus more.
MUNICIPAL
39
More additions to historic properties list; NO-HAZ cost increases approved; special event expenses to go up; some restaurants benefit with parking change; Riverbend Park gets $40,000 grant; plus more.
THE COVER The bridge overlooking the Paint Creek near the Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent
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Roch. Hills, $449,900. 4 bdrms., 3.5 baths, 3400 sq. ft. Former model with stunning 2-story Great rm. w/floor to ceiling fireplace & windows. Updated kit. w/granite, tile backsplash & snack bar. Hdwd. fl. t/o 1st fl. Updated fixtures, crown molding & open floor plan. Spacious bdrms. Fin. daylight bsmt. w/rec. rm. and bath. Desirable location near Adams High.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS
48
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
54
The government must step up its monitoring, scientific testing and possible food labeling when biosolids are used on crop land; our view of the new fees to be charged in Rochester for special events.
FACES
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Olivia Millerschin Garth Pleasant Taylor Brooks, Chrissie Stephens, and Gabriella Thomas
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DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER • ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar | Aileen Wingblad PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski Carol Barr GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Rochester, Rochester Hills and parts of Oakland Township. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Rochester and Rochester Hills. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.
INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. WEBSITE downtownpublications.com
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FROM THE PUBLISHER ike many parents, I suspect, as our two boys were growing up we made sure they understood the value of exercising their right to vote, including on more than one occasion dragging them to the voting precinct with us to see how the process worked, starting with the old mechanical voting machines and transitioning to the current method of casting votes, including the absentee ballot which is how for most elections the votes are cast in our household.
L
We tried to impress upon them the importance of being involved in the election process and the unique system we have in this country of ‘one man, one vote,’ a system that has been emphasized by the courts since 1963, when the U.S. Supreme Court modified the phrase to include women – ‘one person, one vote.’ Because they grew up in a home where politics/government was a consistent topic of discussion – thanks to my profession and my spouse’s involvement in local government – they eventually started to understand the nuances of our electoral system which is geared toward keeping the dominant political party in power, be it Republicans or Democrats. In other words, it’s a ‘one person, one vote’ system but when you get to the county, state or congressional level, there are limitations thanks to how we draw political districts in Michigan every 10 years following the federal census. For years political districts in Michigan were drawn up by political leaders in Lansing or at the county level when it came to county commission districts. Then in the 1963 Michigan Constitution, voters saw the wisdom of creating a reapportionment commission. However, every reapportionment plan ended up being contested by one political party or another and the Michigan Supreme Court, in a 1982 decision, abolished the reapportionment commission and authorized the legislature to draw up district boundary plans once again. So now, like in many states, the political party in power really controls the shape of the districts for state House and Senate and for the U.S. House, which starts to explain how some districts cut across counties and meander in odd patterns whose logic only those who are in the seat of power can understand. It is called gerrymandering – which means drawing district to gain advantage over another political party. Democrats have done it in the past, although with both legislative chambers and the governor’s office in the hands of the GOP here in Michigan, you can forget about any political equity in districts that are drawn after the federal census in 2020. Likewise, with the surge of the Tea Party in past elections, the Republican party has more than doubled its control of state legislatures across the country since the 2010 census. There are about a half dozen states that have started to address the question of political gerrymandering through use of either bipartisan commissions or non-partisan legislative services to redraw districts after each census without consideration of past voting behavior and the current residence of incumbents who hold office. Up until now the federal courts have generally only considered population count as its main concern, starting in 1964 when the ruling
was handed down that political districts had to focus on equal population counts with only a minor variation allowance. Next, the federal courts have also focused on racial gerrymandering and the voting rights of minority populations. Largely ignored has been political gerrymandering – lest anyone forget, judges are also political animals with at least a whiff of party allegiance. But that could all be changing thanks to a recent court case last year in the state of Wisconsin and a ruling by a three-judge federal panel which ordered the Wisconsin legislature to draw new legislative district boundaries. The court ruled that Wisconsin’s districts violated both the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by denying Democratic voters the right to be represented. This is a first in federal court history – ruling that partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional, and it could be a harbinger of what could be in store for the state of Michigan. You see, the plaintiffs in the Wisconsin case developed a mathematical formula for determining districts that are excessively manipulated along political lines, called an efficiency gap. Interestingly, a list of states with similarly manipulated districts largely done on political considerations was also drawn up. You guessed it – Michigan is on the list and is ranked very closely to Wisconsin in how districts have been carved up to keep the power structure in place as we now know it. No one knows if the Wisconsin decision will be challenged at the U.S. Supreme Court level. If it is, then a similar ruling could end up applying on a nationwide basis. As it stands now, the federal court decision only applies to that state. There could also be a possible statewide vote on the issue of how we draw political districts here in Michigan. A ballot committee group – Voters not Politicians – is starting to hold town hall sessions across the state to discuss placing the issue of apportionment on the ballot, possibly in 2018, I assume as a constitutional amendment that would force a non-partisan panel or commission like those successfully used in other states. It’s a tough road to hoe on a statewide petition drive, the cost of which generally is pegged somewhere in the $2-million dollar range. Add to the challenge the fact that while political junkies, politicians, policy wonks and the like understand the issue, to the general voting public it is not an easily understood concept and is low on most peoples’ radar, which would explain why in over three decades there has been no push to place this on the ballot. Although depending on how the petition and corresponding documents are written, I more than likely would support such a drive. But I secretly hope some of the brighter minds in the legal community will follow the Wisconsin example and take this issue to federal court. It’s high time the current system of partisan gerrymandering – which allows the powers in the ruling class to determine the outcome of elections – is overturned. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
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INCOMING Thoughtful column Thank you for David Hohendorf’s thoughtful column. I have never written to a publication before, but I felt moved to do so after reading his March 2017 column. I'm sure you will be inundated with emails of the opposite, but I wanted to say that I appreciate him calling attention to the fact that this administration is "scary stuff,” and that the media is there as a service to the public to give information so that we can have a transparent government. So thank you again. I hope that the checks and balances that were put in place for the protection of the democracy of the US continue to stop this impulsive dimwit from hurting this country in a way that we may not be able to fix. Nicole Wasson Rochester
From The Publisher I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed David Hohendorf’s editorial "From The Publisher" in the (March) Rochester/Rochester Hills issue of Downtown. I couldn't agree with him more. Also, thank you for interesting articles – not at all expected in a free paper but thoroughly enjoyed. Keep up the great work. Marilyn Vala Rochester Hills
Arrogant, delusional I find David Hohendorf’s recent (March) editorial regarding President Trump’s relationship with the press as "unraveling of some basic institutions that are the underpinning of democracy…" arrogant and self delusional. During the eight years of President Obama one could say the relationship with the press and the White House was analogous to TASS and the Soviet government. Your cozy nature with that administration allowed such scandals as Benghazi and Hillary Clinton’s private email server and so-called "Foundation" was given a free ride. Why did you not report on some of President Obama’s cabinet such as Eric Holder (Fast and Furious and Ferguson witch hunt debacles), Lois Lerner and the IRS scandal, and let us not forget the Iran ransom payment for millions of dollars in cash to a state sponsor of terrorism? Let us not forget Obamacare and the debacle from the legislative process downtownpublications.com
SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.
of back room deals, to the website debacle and implementation and cost overruns to individuals (remember "you can keep your doctors and pay no more than $2,500.00?). Never in the history of Hohendorf’s editorials did he question these events, let alone report on them. All the above have far more serious consequences to the nation and the people, yet he neglected them. This is why Trump was elected. As for the press, their anointed candidate lost. Now that Hohendorf’s affair is over, he rants and raves. The press now adorns itself with the Constitution, yet for the past eight years you watched it get trampled and said nothing. Andrew J. Sulich Birmingham
Voice of reason Once again David Hohendorf is the voice of concern and reason (From The Publisher). Right on. We are living in a scary time with "the unraveling of some of the basic institutions – of our democracy,” as he puts it. Fortunately, between the news media, the courts and Congress, the extent of the damage being done by the current president and his henchmen will finally be obvious to the people who voted for him. For the rest of us, eternal vigilance, speaking out, resistance and disruption are our roads to sanity. Pauline Mengebier Bloomfield Hills
Galvanizing the opposition Thank you for your recent From The Publisher article outlining the “alternate reality” playing out from Washington DC that has many of us
questioning how our democracy can be failing so many Americans at this critical juncture in our nation’s history. The silver lining, if there is one, is that the Trump agenda has galvanized the opposition in Michigan and elsewhere — and unlikely allies have found common ground. Faith-based groups and political progressives have realized that their agendas are, at the root of it all, very closely aligned. The silver lining is a pale consolation prize, but I believe that this wake up call has already put into motion a movement that will, in the long run, prevail and bring our country back to the basis on which it was formed, and to the very high moral ground that we seem to have temporarily abandoned. Margaret Baxter Bloomfield Hills
Fourth Estate attack Once again, I am writing a letter to Downtown in support of David Hohendorf’s column (March). In my wildest imaginations I never thought I would see an attack on the Fourth Estate, the free press, by a political party that won the presidential election. All political parties and functionaries of those parties certainly dislike much of what the press reports. Understandable, but the press is deeply fundamental to a democracy. Every dictatorial government throughout modern history first attacks and then emasculates the free press. Look at Putin's Russia where he controls the media in that country. It is Orwellian. I finished a career as a federal probation officer and there was not a federal District Court Judge, regardless of their perceived political leanings, who did not understand how essential a free press is for democracy — especially District Court Judge Avern Cohn. I watched Judge Cohn stand up for every individual who found themselves in front of him in a criminal proceeding if he saw weak or flawed arguments by the government. He protected their rights to the ultimate degree knowing how powerful government agencies are. For President Trump to attack the federal judiciary is frightening. Your monthly publication is some of the best investigative journalism I have read. Do not change. Tim Kozak Birmingham
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P U B L I C A T I O N S 124 WeST MAPLe ROAd BIRMINghAM 48009
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CRIME LOCATOR
Map key
NORTH
Sexual assault
Robbery
Larceny from vehicle
Drug offenses
Assault
Breaking/entering
Vehicle theft
Arson
Murder
Larceny
Vandalism
These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Rochester and Rochester Hills through March 23, 2017. Placement of codes is approximate.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
C r e i t der Mi s e h c o ll R
Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column (all sources are kept strictly confidential) which can be emailed to: OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. BIGOTRY 101: Who could have imagined that in 2017 anti-semitism would once again be rearing its ugly head. Sadly, some local Republicans confirm the toxic malady hit the state’s Republican convention in February, when party administrative vice-chair David Wolkinson of Birmingham ran for re-election to the party position. “There were a bunch of people who also wanted to be vice-chair who interrupted the proceedings,” said a Bloomfield Township Republican who was in the room, backed up by a local state legislator who witnessed the proceedings. The individual said that Cecil St. Pierre, Warren city council president, was running the proceedings for the 9th District, which includes Bloomfield Township, “and was allowing people to interrupt.” Most disturbing, several sources said, were chants that began with – “Boo, hoo, go away Jew ” – which were permitted to continue through the vote, aimed at Wolkinson, who is Jewish. “I couldn’t believe it,” said the township Republican, who has long been active at the state level. “Here, we’re supposed to be together, and they’re going too far. No one said this chant is wrong. And Ron Weiser (Michigan Republican Party Chairperson, who was not in the room) is Jewish. I spoke to Wolkinson, but he didn’t want to make a fuss.” Wolkinson lost the position. Heads up to those living in the 9th District, whose congressman is Rep. Sander Levin, of what is hiding in plain sight.
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POINTED ARROWS: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee – or the “D-Triple C,” in political parlance – has circulated a letter alleging that Republican House incumbents across the country are in danger of losing their seats in 2018, and have targeted dozens of seats around the country for “Round One” of their battlefield to regain the House of Representatives. In Michigan, three districts have caught their eye – including District 8, currently held by Mike Bishop (Rochester, Rochester Hills) and District 11, represented by David Trott (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills). Vicki Barnett, BARNETT Oakland County Democratic Chair, said she wasn’t aware of the DCCC initiative, but “I’m very glad they’re doing that. We’re very concerned about Rep. Bishop and Rep. Trott’s districts because they represent Oakland County residents. Our goal is on the local level, to represent state and county races and local elections. But I do have a lot of angry (Oakland County) constituents.” Stay tuned folks. The 2018 election is just around the bend. THE UN-AMERICANS: A hot mike only added to the troubles Rep. David Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) found himself in when he finally held a town hall for his constituents on Saturday, March 18. Trott has been criticized for not holding any town halls of late, and not being available at his district’s office to meet with people from the district. So, when the doors to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi opened on Saturday, March 18, for the one-hour event that started at 8 a.m., up to 1,000 were there, despite heavy snow – and hundreds were left out in the snow. While they loudly expressed their preference – or not – for Obamacare, education, budget cuts, and numerous other issues, the angriest reaction was TROTT when Trott said, “The American military was ‘the weakest it’s ever been,’ his justification for upping the military spending, funded by cuts to discretionary spending elsewhere in the budget. “That’s saying our military is unprepared and can’t take care of Americans,” said one noted Oakland County Democrat, who also took issue with Trott cherry-picking his questions. “You represent everyone in your district, and you treat them all the same. It’s not your job to cull the questions. It’s your job to respond to everyone, not just to Republicans, but to Democrats and the unaffiliated. Mr. Trott should know that – he’s been elected twice.” A hot mike left on as Trott was leaving the town hall caught him talking with aide Stu Sandler, who admitted to the congressmen that he had thrown out some constituents’ questions and then stated that they would take the crowd’s booing of funding for the military and write a different story, and “we’re going to promote the shit out of that,” adding “It’s un-American crap,” according to a broadcast tape of the event and The Washington Post. Trott hit the national airwaves with Fox television following the town hall and proceeded to write off the opposition in the room as “ Bernie Sanders socialists.” Remember, these are Trott’s constituents.
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CALL THE LOCAL EXPERTS FOR PHYSICIAN, JUMBO, VACANT LOT AND CONSTRUCTION FINANCING OPTIONS MOVE ALONG NOW: Michigan lawmakers this year have been included in national news reports about states around the country trying to limit protester rights, in light of the increase in demonstrations since President Donald Trump took office. The reports finger Republican lawmakers advancing bills that would criminalize or penalize public protests. A 2015 Michigan bill got national attention after members of the state’s House breathed new life into the bill in late November 2016 after sitting stagnant in a committee since May of 2015. The bill would have added new civil fines and an avenue for employers or other companies suffering from mass protesters to collect damages in court. House members in December approved the bill 57-50, but support for the bill in the Senate fell short before the end of the year. The bill, however, was a bit of a red herring, as Michigan law already makes it a criminal misdemeanor for mass protesters to hinder or prevent a place of business’s work or employment. DOUBLING DOWN: State Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) anteed up for the second consecutive session on a pair of bills to legalize online gambling in Michigan, after failing to obtain a full Senate vote last session. The bills, introduced by Kowall on March 1, cosponsored by Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills), would create the “Lawful Internet Gaming Act” to allow for online gaming throughout the state. The pair would need the approval of a third bill addressing the criminal code. Efforts to approve KOWALL online gambling in the state have been strongly opposed by Native American tribal casinos and opponents of online gaming, but Amaya Inc., a large backer of the efforts, has an apparent ace in the hole: lobby representation by MGS Consultants, which also happens to employ former legislator and Kowall’s wife, Eileen Kowall. Mike Kowall said there’s no stacking of the deck, as he started working on the legislation about four years ago, prior to his wife’s work with MGS. Further, he said Eileen does work on educational issues, not gaming, as a subcontractor with MGS. Kowall said he’s now working with the tribes before the bills go KOWALL for a vote on the Senate floor. TWEET, TWEET: Not all Michigan Republicans are fans of President Donald Trump, or of his notorious tweets. Just ask – or follow on Twitter – Rep. Justin Amash (R-Grand Rapids), a fourth-term congressman who is chairman of the House of Representative’s Liberty Caucus and has been associated with the Tea Party. He rode the Tea Party’s populist wave into office in 2010, but today, as a staunch libertarian and fierce conservative, he is anything but “popular” with the new president, and refuses to compromise his beliefs – routinely calling Trump out on everything from corporate welfare and cronyism to his emergency orders, notably on immigration, which Amash contends “undermines our constitutional system.” Amash, 37, who has been called the “most hated Republican” in some GOP circles because of his consistency relative to his core values and standards of libertarianism, a political philosophy advocating individuals’ sovereignty over their own lives, freedom of choice, and the importance of individual judgement, even if it means he sometimes votes with Democrats. “I ran on a set of principles, and it really doesn’t matter which party is in charge or who the president is; I’m going to stick with my principles,” he tweeted. With over 100,000 Twitter followers, Amash may not have Trump’s reach on Twitter, but he gets his message across, both to his followers, and to that Follower-in-Chief. GOBBLE, GOBBLE: Two state legislators from Oakland County were among the top 10 recipients of free food and drinks purchased by lobbyists in 2016. Ravenous representatives Klint Kesto (R-Commerce) and Mike Webber (RRochester, Rochester Hills) received more than $5,500 in free grub last year at the trough of those peddling influence. Kesto, received the second most ($3,266) in free food and beverages, while Webber tallied $2,405, making him the sixth hungriest recipient of freebies. The findings were part of a recently released report issued by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, an independent organization that tracks the role of WEBBER money in Michigan politics. Craig Mauger, executive director of the organization, said the average American household spent about $3,008 on food away from home in 2015. downtownpublications.com
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Olivia Millerschin irst introduced to the national spotlight as a worthy contender on NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent,” Olivia Millerschin is a rising star who is captivating audiences nationwide. “We made it to the 2014 quarterfinals,” Millerschin said. “I had played so many big venues and small venues, but being in front of a panel of judges (Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B) definitely threw us. But, they were very generous to us.” Millerschin was scouted by the show and entered the competition with two talented musicians, a guitarist and drummer, all from the Rochester area. “Being on (America’s Got Talent) gave us exposure because we were on national TV,” she said. “I booked 80 shows the following year.” Long before she made her TV debut on “America’s Got Talent,” Millerschin had been performing for audiences and earning recognition for her vocals. “I grew up in a musical household,” she said. “I took guitar and piano and started taking voice lessons at 8years-old.” The Rochester Adams High School alumnus was a standout in the high school choir. Her grandmother studied opera in college and was encouraging of Millerschin’s aspirations of pursuing a music career. “My grandma got me my first gig at a coffee shop in Rochester Hills when I was 14,” she said. “I played a couple weddings for friends, but that was the first time I got to get out, play on my own and get paid for it.” Before long, Millerschin was on tour and opening for musicians like Howie Day and Ryan Cabrera. She has performed at venues like Radio City Music Hall, the Fox Theater, and nearly 100 colleges in the US. “We tried to keep it as local as possible,” she said. “It got a little difficult toward the end of high school, but I always had my family.” Millerschin’s mother acts as her manager and travels with her while she is on tour. “My family are my best friends,” she said. “I’ve got the best support team and that’s what really keeps me going. I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without my parents.” While competing on “America’s Got Talent,” Millerschin was a guest on The Mitch Albom Show on WJR (760-AM). Albom, a noted author, broadcast journalist and musician, later reached out to the songstress to perform at a charitable event at the Fox Theater to launch his book "The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto." “He wanted a soundtrack to go along with his new book,” she said. “He had Tony Bennett, Ingrid Michaelson, Sawyer Fredericks (‘The Voice’), Michael Bolton and some celebrity guests like (actor) J.K. Simmons (at the event).” In spite of her early success and wide-spread commendation, the humble 21-year-old from Rochester Hills remains focused on positively impacting audiences through her music. “Music is one of the most positive things on the planet. It can be so hopeful. It brings light to my life and I hope it brings light to other people’s lives.”
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Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Laurie Tennent
FROM WASTE TREATMENT PLANT TO THE CROPLANDS
BIOSOLIDS USE AS FERTILIZER INCREASING ALONG WITH CONCERNS BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
Farmer Dave Blakney and his son, Chris, started growing row crops about 17 years ago on their 300-acre farm in Huron Township, but it was more recently that Blakney said he learned about the availability of "biosolids," as an alternative to traditional fertilizer for some crops. "It's very good. Nitrogen is the main interest. It usually has about 190 pounds of nitrogen per acre, and that's very good. The fertilizing quality is excellent," Blakney said. "It's free. No charge, typically." Created from the sludge leftover during the treatment of sanitary sewage, the term "biosolids" was coined in 1991 by the wastewater treatment industry. Sewage sludge is formed from the leftover organic and inorganic materials settled out of wastewater after the screening process. However, sludge may undergo additional treatments that allow it to be used recycled and applied to farm fields for crop production as fertilizer, as well as other uses. Many in the agricultural and wastewater treatment industries say the use of biosolids provides several benefits to cropland while recycling waste materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. However, the idea of growing crops in fertilizer derived from human waste is harder for other people to swallow, particularly for those with health and safety concerns about biosolids. Statewide, about 85,000 tons of biosolids from 175 different wastewater treatment plants was applied to about 18,000 acres of agricultural land in 2016, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Of that amount, about 32,163 tons came from the Great Lakes Water Authority wastewater treatment plant in Detroit, with more than 2,000 additional tons of biosolids applied to farmland from wastewater treatment plants in Oakland County, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which oversees the state's biosolids program. Overall, the state estimates biosolids provided a value of about $14 million to farmers in 2016. At Blakney Farms – which produces corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and houses a cow-calf operation with breeding bulls and a handful of horses, hogs and chickens – Dave Blakney said biosolids are applied to about 125 acres of land used for growing corn for livestock feed. "We use it just before we plant," Blakney said of the type of biosolids applied to his cropland. "They apply it to the fields, and we plant a few days after. We had used it on about 125 acres this year. Our first usage was about five years ago." Blakney said he was attending the Michigan Ag Expo when he first learned about the availability of biosolids in his area. He currently receives biosolids from Synagro Technologies, which works with more than 600 wastewater facilities in 34 different states. Most suppliers, he said, apply biosolids at no cost, or charge a small fee for applying the product. "There is no debris, tissue, or anything that you might find in sewage. It's been centrifuged and tested, probably more than regular fertilizer. What is regular fertilizer? It's typically manure of some sort," Blakney said. "Biosolids get a bad rap, and I don't think it's deserving." Concerns about biosolids have been raised since the early 1990s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first created regulations prescribing biosolid use. Those opposing the use of biosolids say the recycled sludge contains thousands of known and unknown substances, including disease-causing pathogens, some of which are resistent to antibiotics; toxic metals; dozens of carcinogens, hormone disrupting chemicals; dioxins; pharmaceuticals; pesticides, PCBs; PAHs; and other contaminants. "We do have concerns about using biosolids as fertilizer on land," said Gail Philbin, director of the the Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter. "There are too many questions about the safety of the substance for applying it on land right now. The policies that govern it aren't adequate to cover human health, so we do oppose it." The Sierra Club bases its position statements from scientists in the 1990s and 2000s, who said federal government's regulations regarding land application of
biosolids, which were set in place in 1993, need to be updated. Among those who have called for additional research was the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council, which in 2002 warned that the regulations were based on outdated or nonexistent science. Current regulations require biosolids to undergo special treatment to kill pathogens and be tested for specific metals. Regulations are also in place to regulate the type of biosolids and amount that may be applied to cropland to ensure potentially harmful contaminants don't over accumulate in soils and uptake into crops. Still, opponents of biosolids say regulations only cover a small fraction of the thousands of contaminants likely to be found in biosolids. Further, there also are concerns about direct human exposure to biosolids, as reports of illnesses surface from residents living near land application sites who have been exposed to dust and water runoff from fields treated with recycled sludge. David Lewis, a microbiologist who directs the Georgia-Oklahoma Center for Research on the Environment at the University of Georgia, has called for additional research and restrictions on the public's exposure to biosolids after he investigated illnesses and deaths he said were linked to EPA programs promoting the agricultural use of processed sewage sludge. "The EPA estimates there are about 60,000 chemicals and toxins in the sludge, and that's just what we know of and have studied. Based on chemicals that there are analytical methods for, there are likely thousands more," said Lewis, also a former research microbiologist for the EPA's Office of Research and Development who serves as Senior Science Advisor to the National Whistleblower Center. "That is only an infinitesimal number of what is produced in the atmosphere. They are like grains of sand in the sea shore. Most of the chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects we have not yet studied. So, sewage sludge is magnified and concentrated in the universe of pollutants – known and unknown – that we worry about the most." Despite vocal concerns, many in the agricultural and wastewater treatment industries say research has shown biosolids use in crop production is safe, so long as the appropriate protocols and regulations are being followed. The Water Environment Federation (WEF), a non-profit organization representing wastewater and water quality professionals, said that biosolids provide financial, environmental and social benefits, which support sustainable resource management, create jobs and builds healthy soils. Patrick Dube, Biosolids Program Manager for the (WEF), said pathogen levels set by the EPA for biosolids ensure that it's safe for human health and the environment. "It's a matter of employing best management practices to make sure we reach those levels. As long as you're following regulations and procedures, there's nothing to worry about with the land application of biosolids," he said. "There are standard tests being done to make sure they are reaching appropriate levels." While the EPA's regulations don't account for all of the potential contaminants present in biosolids, Dube said the industry is continually looking at new methods of testing and detection. In terms of emerging contaminants of concern, such as pharmaceutical and personal care products that might be found in biosolids, he said the current consensus among researchers in the field is that those levels in biosolids aren't an issue if all current rules and regulations are being followed. "A lot of concerns are based on maybe not quite understanding or being aware of the process that biosolids undergo to become safe," Dube said. "Type A biosolids that have no pathogens in them are safe for growing crops, as long as you're following regulations and making sure they are applied at a rate that they don't pose any threat to humans." Lewis, the former EPA microbiologist now with the University of Georgia, said the spread of heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs and pathogens being spread through dust in the air and water from biosolids should be of greater concern. However, he said there is a lack of data on
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the threats that biosolids may actually pose. Instead, Lewis said the EPA and the Water Environment Federation, which is the nation's largest trade organization for the wastewater industry, have worked with agricultural colleges to generate research that aims to support the EPA's rules and say there isn't a problem. "We had numerous tugs of war with Washington before. This was different. The solution Washington had was to slow down scientists, or stop them," Lewis said about the EPA's work on the 40 CFR, Part 503 rules, which were issued by the agency in 1993 and set out regulations on biosolids. "To my knowledge, the EPA scientists just stopped. With biosolids there was no going back and forth with Washington. I think because of the political and economic pressure that was being done." In 1997, the Cornell (University) Waste Management Institute concluded that regulations governing land application of biosolids don't protect human health, agricultural productivity and the environment. In 2002, the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) warned that the scientific underpinning of the EPA's Part 503 rules were based on outdated or nonexistent science. The report included about 60 recommendations for addressing public health concerns, scientific uncertainties and data gaps in the science underlying the sewage sludge standards. "There is a serious lack of health-related information about populations exposed to treated sewage sludge," Thomas Burke, then chair of the committee that published the report said in releasing its findings. "To ensure public health protection, EPA should investigate allegations of adverse health effects and update the science behind its chemical and pathogen standards." The committee said it agreed with the EPA's general approach to regulating pathogens, which requires the level of microorganisms to be reduced through treatment and restrictions on land use immediately after biosolids are applied. However, the committee said the EPA should also use new pathogen-detection technology to ensure that treatments are reliable. "Microbial risk assessment should include the possibility of secondary transmission of disease, such as through person-to-person contact or through food, air or water, should also be developed," the report stated. In response to the NAS report, the EPA in 2003 developed a final action plan that sets out to determine potential risks of select pollutants; measure pollutants of interest; characterize potential volatile chemicals from land application; and understand the effectiveness of water/sludge treatment and risk management practices. The EPA in July of 2015 updated its plan to include 15 actions that have been undertaken or are ongoing. Those actions include biennial reviews of published data and potential harms; methods for evaluating pollutants; the development of analytical methods for detecting pharmaceuticals and personal care products in sewage sludge; and other measures. The most recent biennial review issued by the EPA stated that the agency's decision in 2003 that regulation of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in land-applied biosolids wasn't needed for adequate protection of public health and the environment. However, the EPA said it is in the process of analyzing nine pollutants and molybdenum to determine if additional monitoring or regulation was needed. Those pollutants include barium, beryllium, manganese, silver, 4-chloroaniline, fluoranthene, pyrene, nitrate and nitrite. On a longer term basis, the EPA will continue evaluating another 135 chemicals identified as of possible concern, as well as investigating alternative tools for estimating missing data about environmental properties, human health and ectotoxicity values and acceptable concentration data in sewage sludge. Jonathan Latham, executive director of the Bioscience Resource Project, a public interest organization that provides independent research and analysis in agriculture-related biosciences, said he too believes more research is needed on biosolids. "It would really be a good thing to know what the content of food
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ends up being," he said. "To look at corn that is fed to animals or in crops eaten by people; what is taken up by those crops." Foods grown with Class A biosolids, or sludges with more advanced treatments, are permitted for human consumption, but there are no special labeling requirements needed, as is the case with genetically modified foods. However, foods that are considered "certified organic" products cannot be grown using biosolids, under the US Department of Agricultural's certification process. Further, at least one business has taken steps to notify consumers if biosolids are used in food production. In 2014, Whole Foods implemented its "Responsibly Grown" rating system. The system prohibits the use of biosolids on land within three years prior to harvest. Tracy Yager, a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey in Denver, said she and other scientists looked at the use of biosolids from 1993 to 2010. The studies, she said, involved biosolids from a specific wastewater treatment plant, and a large tract of farm land that was used by actual farmers. Overall, she said the specific studies didn't show conclusive evidence on how biosolids specifically impacted crops, groundwater or soils. "There are all these different complicated layers that we really can't say this comes from biosolids for sure. The best we can say is that it may be consistent with use of biosolids, but it could be something else, like cow manure, which can produce the same results, so there are mixed inputs." The most recent research on the uptake of contaminants by crops was headed by Edward Topp, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The study, "Biosolids applied to agricultural land: Influence on structural and functional endpoints of soil fauna on short- and long-term scale," sampled crops for up to 96 months after biosolids were applied. "Overall, the present study found only weak evidence for negative long-term impacts of biosolids applied at commercial rates on soil fauna," the study stated. When it comes to biosolids, it's important to note that not all are created, treated or used in the same way. And, despite the terms "biosolids" and "sewage sludge" used interchangeably in some contexts, the materials are very different. Sewage sludge is formed by wastewater treatment plants during the treatment process. Wastewater coming into the facilities goes through a filtering and screening process to remove rocks, grit, plastic and other items. Water then enters clarifying tanks, where the remaining solid materials are separated through settling. While the water is sent to another area to undergo further treatment, the separated solids that fall to the bottom of the form are a sludge consisting of everything that is flushed into a sewer system. The raw matter at the bottom is considered septic sludge, or what as been called "raw primary biosolids," since 1991 by the EPA. Sludge produced in the primary treatment process can't be used for land application without additional treatment. Likewise, most wastewater treatment facilities employ secondary treatment processes to remove contaminants from water. The most common form of secondary treatment use an activated sludge process, where the bacteria in the sludge is used to break down organic matter left in the water from the primary treatment process. Water is then disinfected, most commonly with a chlorine process, before being returned to the environment. However, advanced treatment processes, such as ultraviolet light, ozone, carbon absorption, distillation or reverse osmosis may be used to further remove pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, metals and other contaminants from wastewater to the point where it may be recycled as drinking water. Sludge left over from the treatment process must be disposed of, either as sewage sludge or as biosolids that may be used for fertilizer or other applications. Sludge disposal may involve removal to landfills, incineration or surface disposal, where sludge is placed in
lagoons, wastepiles or other such impoundments. Surface disposal sites for sludge don't exist in Michigan. Most sludges undergo additional treatment at the wastewater treatment plant before they are used or disposed of in order to meet regulatory requirements and reduce costs. Only sludge that is treated to meet federal and state requirements for reducing pathogens, certain metals and the attraction of vectors, or disease-carrying organisms like flies, rodents, can be applied to land or used as compost. Sludge that is used as biosolid fertilizer is treated through biological, chemical, physical or thermal processes, as well as dewatering or drying. It's these processes that determine the characteristics, quality and use of biosolids produced. The EPA categorizes biosolids as either "Class A" or "Class B" biosolids. Because Class A biosolids undergo additional treatment to remove pathogens, it may be applied to land used for human food consumption. Class B biosolids may contain pathogens that restricts how often it may be applied, and prohibits its use for human food consumption. Some pathogens found in Class B biosolids could be bacteria such as Bacillus, Legionella, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, and others; viruses, such as Hepatitis, or Rotaviruses; Protozoa, such as Toxoplasma or Cryptosporidium; and other helminth worms, according to the EPA's Office of Research and Development. Class B biosolids must meet certain maximum pathogen levels such as average fecal coliform levels that are below two million units of bacteria per gram. Class A biosolids are considered by the EPA to be safe for immediate and direct contact with humans and animals based on requirements to reduce pathogens below detectable levels. While soils must still be tested in the application of Class A biosolids, there aren't any crop restrictions, meaning that Class A biosolids may be used as most any other fertilizer in the growth of crops for animal or human food consumption. Federal regulations require Class B biosolids to have pathogens reduced to levels that are "protective of public health and the environment." The EPA states Class B biosolids may have low levels, but not to the level that they may be sold or given away in bags or other forms for land application at public contact sites, lawns or home gardens, nor used directly for crops used for human food consumption. Further, fields that have previously had Class B biosolids applied have specific waiting periods before certain crops for human food consumption may be planted. Class A biosolids that undergo additional treatment methods, such as composting, heat drying and high-temperature aerobic digestion may meet additional requirements for pathogen reduction and metal reductions, qualifying them as "Exceptional Quality," biosolids, or "EQ." Some municipalities in the country that produce higher quality biosolids opt to bag and market them to the general public. While biosolids produced in Michigan aren't available to the general public, the Great Lakes Water Authority wastewater treatment plant in Detroit produces "Michi-green" biosolids through its partnership with the New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO), which is available to farmers in bulk amounts. "There are all kinds of different processes that can lead to different end products. We really focus on Class A, particularly with the drying method," said Manuel Irujo, vice president of operations for Massachusetts-based NEFCO. "Class B is more of the liquid that is land applied by injection, but it can also be a stabilized, cake format, which is about 30 percent solids. NEFCO is Class A, and uses a thermal drying process, which covers the time and temperature used." The Great Lakes Water Authority recently revamped its wastewater treatment facility to produce Class A biosolids, then retained NEFCO to construct and operate a biosolids drying facility. The production of Class A EQ biosolids at the facility started in February of 2016, and is the largest facility of its kind in North America. "The end product is dried to 97-percent solids, and it's a granulated
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product, so it's easy to spread," Irujo said. "We only deal with Class A EQ material that comes out to professional quality. That speaks to the pretreatment that the wastewater treatment plant has to eliminate any contaminants." According to the Michigan DEQ, the Great Lakes Water Authority's facility in Detroit produced about 127,833 dry tons of biosolids in 2016, which includes all forms of biosolids, including that which was applied to land or sent to landfills for disposal. Of that amount, about 32,162 tons were applied to land. Prior to the implementation of the new biosolids facility, all sludges at the plant were destroyed via on-site incinerators or were processed for Class B application. "The decision was made for using biosolids for a couple of reasons," said Majid Kahn, director of wastewater for the Detroit facility. "It can be re-used for fertilizer or a granular product. We had incinerators that needed to be upgraded to the maximum standards. At that point, we asked whether we should upgrade two incinerators where it is destroyed, or go the other direction where we can reuse it for a beneficial purpose." Suzanne Coffey, Great Lakes Water Authority chief planning officer and interim COO of Wastewater, said the authority retained NEFCO to design and build the drying facility, which will also operate it under a 20-year lease agreement. The facility, at 9125 W. Jefferson in Detroit, is capable of producing 420 tons of finished biosolids each day. "For us, this idea of sustainability is really important, and is about being a utility of the future," Coffey said. "There are other elements we plan to do in the future. We have plans for a wastewater management plan that includes recovering things like phosphorus. We think that's something that's achievable. Also, the energy we use at the plant, we want to reduce our energy consumption. There are facilities that are providing energy to the grid from wastewater. This is the first step of some very big initiatives." Much of the pretreatment conditions at the facility help to reduce pathogens and contaminants in biosolids that are produced. Biosolids also undergo a dewatering stage, where a percentage of the liquid is removed. It then undergoes a heated drying process, where it's exposed to air at about 1000 degrees until the biosolids reach about 220 degrees for at least 15 seconds, ensuring the elimination of pathogens. It's then processed into a pellet form and stored in large silos at the site, or shipped to locations for land application. Biosolids produced at the Detroit facility are applied by NEFCO throughout much of southern Michigan, portions of Ohio, and Windsor, Ontario, where biosolid regulations are more restrictive. Prior to NEFCO's partnership in Detroit, the majority, if not all, biosolids applied in Michigan were Class B biosolids. "Detroit has skewed the amount of Class A biosolids used," said Mike Person, state biosolids coordinator with the DEQ. "In the state, there are some 30,000 dry tons of Class A, EQ, and probably 75,000 tons of Class B. Detroit is responsible for skewing that for Class A. There are only a handful of Class A facilities in Michigan, but more and more are looking at this as they are beginning to make updates. They are transitioning from Class B to a more dewatered Class A, EQ, and that's a good thing." Jared Buzo, operations engineer with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office (WRC), said the office has plans to upgrade the Pontiac Wastewater Treatment Plant so that it will generate Class A biosolids. Currently, the wastewater treatment plant uses an aerobic digestion method to produce Class B biosolids. "We always call all of it biosolids," Buzo said about the sludge and the fertilizer at the wastewater treatment plants. "In Pontiac, it goes to a digester. That heats it up and some of the biosolids will react and create a gas and reduce the amount of solids." The gas generated by the breakdown of biosolids is used to power two boilers and an air pump at the plant to further treat the biosolids. The boilers heat up the biosolids to about 100 degrees, which many of the pathogens in the sludge. From there, the biosolids are sent to a
dewatering process and are then ready for land application. Buzo said upgrades planned at the Pontiac wastewater treatment plant in the future will heat biosolids to about 300 degrees to eliminate all additional pathogens. Of the some 3,633 tons of biosolids produced at the Pontiac wastewater treatment plant in 2016, about 1,302 tons were digested as biosolid fertilizer, and about 410 tons of that being applied to farm fields or pastures. The remaining biosolids and raw sludge was disposed at landfills. "We digest as much as we can, but we have limited capacity," Buzo said. Still, the process saves the plant money in disposal fees. Current landfill disposal costs at the plat are $54.35 per dry ton, while the application of biosolids cost the plant $31.83 per ton. Buzo said the plant contracts with Bio Tech Agronomics of Beulah, Michigan, to handle the application of biosolids. In 2016, the company applied Class B biosolids from the Pontiac facility to fields in Genesee and Livingston counties. Other wastewater treatment plants in Oakland County that produced biosolids fertilizer in 2016 include: Wixom, which produced and applied 564 tons of biosolids; the Walled Lake-Novi facility, which produced 337 tons of biosolids and applied 254 tons; the Holly wastewater treatment plant, which produced and applied about 299 tons of biosolids; the South Lyon wastewater treatment plant, which produced and applied 168 tons of biosolids; the Milford wastewater treatment plant, which produced and applied about 149 tons of biosolids; and the Lyon Township wastewater treatment plant, which generated and applied about 66 tons of biosolids. Lenawee County Commissioner Bob Knoblauch, who stopped farming in about 2003, said he has received phone calls from residents who are concerned about the use of biosolids in the county, particularly the Class A EQ type coming from the Detroit wastewater treatment plant. "When they were doing spreading when it was cold and there was snow on the ground, nearby residents – particularly when it's windy – ended up having materials in their yards, on their decks and in their water. They have dust on their window sills inside," he said. "Nobody was absolutely opposed to having the material being spread, but in those cases, they thought there should be more guidelines as far as how they had to stay away from residential property. Knoblauch said the drifting dust from the finer quality EQ being produced has also caused some farmers to take action to stop the spread of biosolids into the watershed and nearby waterways. "We are in the River Raisin Basin, and that goes into Lake Erie. They have put in tile structures and filter strips next to ditches," he said. "With the tiles, they can cut off water from going into a drainage system, so they put them on if they made a fertilizer application and get a heavy rain, then they can stop the water from discharging into waterways." The runoff into the river basin, and eventually Lake Erie, is of particular concern, as it is a location that has experienced harmful alga blooms and phosphorus loading in the past. "Because (Lake Erie) is a non-attainment area, a lot of that work is being done by farmers in the area. The farmers aren't doing the spreading; it's a contractor that does the spreading," Knoblauch said. "But on windy days when the ground is frozen, some of the material was ending up in the waterway, and they didn't feel that was a good practice to be doing it that way because some are trying to help the situation and it looked like others were creating problems." Both the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Oakland County Farm Bureau said they weren't aware of any Oakland County farmers using biosolids on their lands. The DEQ, which maintain records of all biosolids applied in Michigan, said it's possible some farmers in the county are using biosolids, but the current tracking system makes listing application by county difficult. Laura Campbell, agricultural ecologist with the Michigan Farm Bureau, said biosolids are a valuable resource for the agricultural
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industry, and a win for both farmers and the wastewater treatment plants. However, she said there are potential issues, as with other fertilizers. "The thing that makes them particularly different is that when you deal with biosolids, it's not just human waste, it's everything that homes and businesses put down the drain, so it has to go through a process that is pretty heavily controlled by the state of Michigan," she said. Other contaminants that are regulated by federal rules include nine heavy metals that the EPA says are commonly found in biosolids, including arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, molybednum, nickel, selenium and zinc. "They have to go through a treatment process to make sure we aren't contaminating farmland when it's put on, and then there are agronomic rates on where and how much they can spread it, so how much they can apply without creating runoff problems," Campbell said. Wastewater treatment plants that produce and apply biosolids work with third-party contractors for the actual application of biosolids to land. State and federal regulations require the applicators to conduct certain actions when applying, such as testing biosolids for some contamination and minerals before they are applied, testing soils to ensure agronomic rates of nutrients and minerals aren't being exceeded, and keeping records of tests and the exact location of the land applications. Biosolids that exceed certain limits can't be applied to land, or must be restricted. Limits include ceiling concentration limits, which is the maximum concentration of each pollutant allowed in biosolids for land application. The EPA also regulates pollutant concentration limits, along with pathogen level and requirements to stabilize organic matter set standards for EQ type biosolids. Those biosolids with metal concentrations below a certain level can be land applied without obtaining a permit. Those with higher levels above the pollutant concentration limits require a permit for each site and rate applied based on agronomic levels, or the nitrogen need of a crop. The cumulative amounts must be tracked. Cumulative pollutant loading rates must also be tracked, which is the maximum amount of a pollutant that can be applied to a site over its lifetime by all biosolid applications. Finally, annual pollutant loading rates determine the maximum amount each pollutant can be applied in a 365-day period. Mike Person, with the DEQ's Biosolids Program, said the state's regulations go beyond that of federal Part 503 rules. Those rules include additional soil testing, including phosphorus limits, along with notification requirements to county health departments where biosolids are being applied. "The permit approval process is far beyond the EPA requirements," he said. "Each facility beforehand has to have a residuals management program plan, which is their way of saying how they will comply with Michigan's Part 24 rules. From operation to vector attraction and pathogens, how it will be tested and analyzed and how it goes through the process of monitoring agronomic rates, as well as how its transported and applied to land." Person said each facility that produces biosolids is permitted by the DEQ. He said virtually all wastewater treatment facilities then work with other companies to apply the biosolids to land. In order to meet the state and federal requirements, the contractors will execute an agreement on behalf of the treatment facility with the landowner where the biosolids are being applied. The agreements include the type of biosolids that will be applied, the rates and any restrictions on the type of crop that will be grown. The agreement and other information, including soil testing results, are provided to the treatment facilities. The facilities must provide that information to the DEQ on an annual basis. In terms of enforcement, he said the DEQ does track it, but he can't recall any serious violations. He did confirm an incident in the early 2000s, however, in which a shipment of pickles were seized, after a farmer in the Alma area grew pickles on land that was treated with Type B biosolids. In that case, Person said a neighbor alerted the DEQ about
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the mix up after learning about the biosolids rules on the DEQ's website. In 2003, a Michigan Auditor General report on the DEQ's Water Division Program, which oversees the biosolids program, found the division didn't effectively operate the program. The Water Division did not inspect some biosolid generators or sites where they applied biosolids to verify that parties that applied biosolids to land provided or maintained current soil analysis documentation or maintain current soil analysis documentation. Of 13 wastewater treatment plants the auditors inspected in 2000 and 2001, eight didn't have complete inspections. The audit also found a backlog of residual management plans. Person, who said he wasn't previously aware of the audit's findings, said the program has five equivalent full-time employees that cover the entire program for the state. However, he said each facility is typically inspected every year. "We set (inspection) priorities based on the size of the facility," he said. "It's the goal to get to every one (inspected). There are some some smaller ones we don't always get to." In terms of conducting on-site inspections where biosolids are being applied to land, Person said it's also the goal to conduct them each year, however, those actually done are "hit and miss." "We have a goal to get out to every plant while they are land applying," he said, "but it's not always easy to do." Professor emeritus and retired Michigan State University Extension specialist Lee Jacobs worked on research with biosolids from about 1973 to 2009 at MSU's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Jacobs also worked on regional research committees to help establish the EPA's Part 503 rules, and Michigan's Part 24 rules, addressing land application of biosolids in the state. "When I came to Michigan State University, we had some pretty bad sludges that were being generated in municipalities, particularly those in conjunction with metals in the auto industry," Jacobs said. "The sludge that generated a lot of high concentrations of metals we didn't want going to agricultural land." It wasn't until stricter water quality laws came into effect, some years after they were enacted in the 1970s, that metal concentrations in sludges started to drop, and biosolids use in agriculture was considered favorable. Jacobs said early metal samples of sludges, in some cases, were higher than some ores being mined in the state. "To give some perspective, it takes about 10,000 parts-per-million to be a one-percent consistency. We found one sludge that had about 27,000 parts-per-million of copper, so basically, we would say there's 2.7 percent on a dry weight basis of solid materials that were essentially copper," he said. "When Michigan had a White Pine copper mine operating, they were basically mining an ore that had a one percent concentration for extracting copper ore. So, that sludge was basically a mineable resource, and something we didn't want to see go out on agricultural land." Since that time, he said the quality has greatly improved. Further he said land application rates, which are required to be monitored in all types of biosolids, were developed by looking at many different pathways of exposures. Those pathway exposure models, he said, require solid scientific inputs to ensure safety. "A lot of people have some unscientific views of biosolids application to land, and some just flat out don't like the process and try to make a case against it, and it's not necessarily scientifically-based rational. Lewis is among those," Jacobs said. "While he had issues with it, most issues he had didn't have a good scientific basis for it. You're always going to have people look and find something that they think isn't appropriate because they don't like the kind of material being used. "It's not just biosolids, but a lot of scientific issues that people don't like. I'm not saying they don't have valid fears, but a lot of those negative things are based on they just don't like it and are trying to get it stopped."
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BROOKVIEW R E A LT Y
FACES Garth Pleasant ormer Rochester College Men's Basketball coach Garth Pleasant served for more than 38 years, tallying 720 wins during his career – more than any other collegiate coach in Michigan. In February, Pleasant attended the first game at the college's new arena, which is named after him. "I mean, I feel honored, but I feel more humbled, and it makes me a little uneasy," Pleasant said about the naming of the new Garth Pleasant Arena. "I've talked to people that have had this done before. They told me to just get over it." The Rochester College Warriors men’s basketball team are five-time US. Collegiate Athletic Association (USAA) national championship winners, and this year, cracked the top five in the NAIA national ranking, but the team has never, until this February, had a home arena. It wasn't until Pleasant's long-time friend and Rochester College supporter Bill Fox, of Bill Fox Chevrolet, offered a $1-million matching gift for the stadium, and Rochester College alumni Mark Ide offered another million, that plans for a new stadium started moving. Prior to the completion of the stadium, all home games at the college were played at local high schools. "All we had on campus was a little cement lot building, and the sidelines were just inches from the wall, so we have always played our games at local schools," Pleasant said. "In reality, we never had a home game. One year, I had 10 home games in seven different places." Pleasant said the naming of the stadium, which came at the insistence of Fox, was a shock when he was first informed of his intentions from former Rochester College President Rubel Shelly. "The president came to me and said Bill Fox wanted to name it after me. I met with Bill, and I said it was very kind and appreciated, but we just can't do that. I thought I presented a very good case to him," Pleasant said. "He said, 'Go tell Dr. Shelly that I'm not going to give any money at all." The conversation solidified the name of the arena, and on February 18, the team played its first-ever home game at the Garth Pleasant Arena. While Pleasant said he won't be coming out of retirement to coach in his own arena, his son, Klint, is the team's current coach. "This is his sixth or seventh year," Pleasant said. "He has a very good resume." The elder Pleasant has been inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame, the North Oakland Basketball Federation Hall of Fame, and the Carman Ainsworth Hall of Fame with the 1966 Men's Basketball Team. He has been named Coach of the Year in 1989 by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan; in 1986 and 1995 by the National Small College Athletic Association; and in 2004 and 2005 by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. Outside of coaching, Pleasant is the college's department chair of physical education. He was named faculty of the year by the college in 2008 and Michigan Christian College Faculty of the Year in 1986. "Being inducted into the coaching hall of fame was a great honor, but what stands out the most wouldn't be the wins or the championships, and not the honors," he said. "The highlight of my coaching career would be the relationships I had with my former players. I really mean that."
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
Tom Zibkowski Realty Executives Midwest
586-532-6700 Ex 114
Tom@TomZibkowski.com www.TomZibkowski.com
When Experience Counts. Over 4,000 Closed Home Sales Since 1982 A RARE FIND 12 ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE - OAKLAND TWP
CUSTOM BUILT 1 1/2 STORY ON 2 ACRES
Private 12 Acre French Country Manor featuring 12,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area. Featuring terraced patios leading to parterre gardens adjoining built-in swimming pool. Helipad provides convenience to land helicopter in backyard and store in state-of-the-art hangar, entertainers gourmet kitchen, finished walkout features lap pool & gaming areas. 5350 Brewster, Rochester Hills $5,725,000.
Custom built rustic timber styled 1 1/2 story home with walkout basement on over 2 acres. Features include hand selected 10' x 10' hand milled white oak & pine timbers that are exposed throughout the home. Gourmet kitchen with large hearth room, all high end finishes throughout, outdoor kitchen, built in pizza oven, and stainless steel BBQ. 5575 West Road, Washington Twp $1,249,900
ONCE IN A LIFETIME LAKE ORION LOCATION
ROCHESTER SCHOOLS / FINISHED WALKOUT ON 1.1 ACRE LOT
Over 7,200 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area. Custom built 3 level home located at the end of peninsula on Lake Orion. 660’ of lake-frontage offering a water view from every room in the house. Features a 4-car heated attached garage +2000 sq. ft. motor coach garage with covered enclosed boat well, 3 fireplaces, huge owner’s suite with balcony overlooking lake, extensive landscaping with 2 waterfalls, and large beach area. 220 S. Andrews, Lake Orion $1,649,000.
Stunning custom built split level w/finished walkout basement on a 1.1 acre lot awesome open floor plan w/see-through open staircase from finished basement to 2nd floor, large 1st floor owners suite w/balcony overlooking large yard, granite counters in large gourmet kitchen, whole-house Generac generator, finished walkout w/wet bar, 3rd fireplace & full bath, upper and lower brick paver patios and 3.5 car garage. 2160 Dean Drive, Washington Twp $549,900
STATELY COLONIAL WITH FINISHED WALKOUT
PRIVATE 10 ACRE ESTATE WITH 2100 SQUARE FOOT POLE BARN
Colonial with finished walkout. Home features over 8,500 sq. ft. Exquisite marble and granite floors throughout the entire 1st two floors. Exterior features include extensive landscaping and terraced patios overlooking waterfall. 2831 Cranbrook Ridge Court, Oakland Twp $1,690,000.
2,500 sq.ft. Ranch with walkout basement set back through the trees on a 10 acre parcel, attached 3 car garage plus over 2,100 sq.ft. pole barn with 4 large doors, cement floor and electricity, large island kitchen, 4 bedrooms upstairs, with 2 more bedrooms in mostly finished basement. 71455 Fisher Road, Romeo $649,900.
1 1/2 STORY ON 3/4 ACRE WOODED LOT + 3/4 ACRE POND LOT
THE WHITE HOUSE OF HARSENS ISLAND
1 1/2 story home on 3/4 acre wooded lot. Has a newer kitchen with granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances. 2 bedrooms upstairs share jack and jill bathroom, huge composite deck overlooking large private pie-shaped treed yard, and nicely landscaped. This is truly a one of a kind setting. 5941 Hunter's Ridge Drive, Washington Twp $429,900
Once in a lifetime opportunity! The White House of Harsens Island!! Spectacular cottage-chic renovated fully furnished 5,100 sq. ft. home on the North Channel. Elevator services all 3 floors, 2 full bath attached carriage house apartment, home was originally built in 1887 and complete renovation done in 2008. 100' of water frontage with dock and sandy beach for swimming, very private back yard, screened in gazebo, this is a great family retreat that is ready for immediate possession. 1250 Circuit, Harsens Island $1,849,000.
Tom@TomZibkowski.com www.TomZibkowski.com
Tom Zibkowski Realty Executives Midwest
586-532-6700 Ex 114
When Experience Counts. Over 4,000 Closed Home Sales Since 1982 4 ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE ON STONEY CREEK PARK
STUNNING COLONIAL OAKLAND TWP
Private 4-acre French Estate, 6,500 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area, entertainer's gourmet kitchen w/dual islands, hearth room w/fireplace, walkout lower level is studded & ready for Buyer's personal finishes, 4.5-car attached, side entrance, heated garage, GEO Thermal heating and cooling, spacious owners suite overlooking water, very private setting. 58955 Mound Road, Washington Twp $2,350,000
“French Country Designer Showcase” Over 6,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed finished living area, entertainers gourmet island kitchen & gorgeous furniture grade cabinetry, finished lower level features 3rd fireplace, wet bar, formal dining room has butler’s pantry with wine cooler & refrigerated drawers, wrought iron circular staircase in grand entrance foyer. 3185 Saint James, Oakland Twp $1,299,900.
5 BEDROOM COLONIAL WITH FINISHED WALKOUT
EXQUISITE FRENCH CHATEAU IN EXCLUSIVE "LAKE IN THE WOODS"
5 Bedroom colonial with finished walkout basement. Home features a newly remodeled gourmet kitchen with Lafata cabinetry, built-in stainless steel appliances, designer granite backsplash, and huge island. Over 7,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area. Hardwood flooring throughout the entire first floor, awesome owner’s suite with remodeled designer bath, and 4.5 car garage. 180 Londonderry Lane, Oakland Twp $599,900.
Exquisite French Chateau 7,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living space, huge gourmet chef island kitchen, 4.5-car attached garage, vinyl clad wood windows, extensive landscaping, finished lower level walks out to private yard with built-in swimming pool and features a 2nd kitchen entertainer's style bar, theater room, wine cellar and extra high ceilings. 54311 Queensborough, Shelby Twp $889,900
GREAT ROOM RANCH W/FINISHED WALKOUT TO IN-GROUND SWIMMING POOL
1 1/2 STORY DECORATOR SHOWCASE HOME WITH 4.5 CAR GARAGE ON 1 ACRE LOT
Great room ranch w/finished walkout basement to an in-ground swimming pool on a private lot. Home features a huge island kitchen w/granite counter tops & large eating area, finished walkout lower level features 2nd fireplace and open recreation area. Large deck leads down to large brick paver patio w/hot tub, extensive landscaping w/brick paver walkways, 3-way fireplace between kitchen & great room. 12300 Forest Glen, Lane Shelby Twp $464,900
1 1/2 Story home with 4.5 car garage on 1 acre lot. Home features, gourmet island kitchen with large breakfast nook and built in commercial grade stainless steel appliances, fireplace in large great room and kitchen, wrought iron staircase with bridge overlooking foyer, finished bonus room offers additional office/study, craft room, or bedroom space, large cement patio that is overlooking over 1 acre lot. 61614 Cotswold, Washington Twp $969,900.
UPDATED COLONIAL W/ FINISHED WALKOUT
16 ACRES OF ABSOLUTE PRIVACY / MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER
Approximately 6,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area, updated colonial with finished walkout basement, granite counters throughout, large island kitchen with stainless steel appliances open to great room with 2-story ceilings, finished walkout has a media area, huge wet bar, 4th full bath, 2nd fireplace and workshop, master suite has attached infant suite, and huge composite deck walks down to lower patios. 54655 Salem Drive, Shelby Twp $489,900.
Private, wooded, 16 acre gated estate. European style villa, featuring over 10,000 square feet, indoor swimming pool & sauna, elevator servicing all 3 levels, oversized heated garage with huge work shop, waterfall at entrance, 2 laundry rooms, partial kitchen in lower level, and second laundry rooms/ main floor and lower level. The list of amenities is incredible. 1700 Schilling Lane, Oakland Twp $1,499,900.
FACES
Taylor Brooks, Chrissie Stephens, and Gabriella Thomas irl Scouts Taylor Brooks, Chrissie Stephens, and Gabriella Thomas are honoring the Girl Scout Law by “making the world a better place” through their Adopt-A-Trail program for the Paint Creek Trail. “Chrissie came up with the idea,” said Thomas. “We liked her idea the most.” The trio from troop #43155 canvassed their hometown in search of a project that piqued their interest and satisfied the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award. “You have to think of a project and talk to people in your community,” Brooks said. “You have to spend 50 hours on the project.” The Paint Creek Trail holds significant meaning to the Rochester Van Hoosen Middle School students and proved to be the perfect community project. “The trail is kind of close to where we live,” Stephens said. “I used to walk and bike ride on it. It means a lot to me. Maybe if I have kids someday, they can walk it, too.” The determined young altruists raised $583 through fundraisers and a returnable can drive. They are purchasing signs to be put up along the trail that will identify groups who have adopted portions of the trail. They will also provide volunteers with trashcans and gloves. Griggs Street Book Group, Kings Cove Residents and the Stephens Family have each committed to cleaning up a one-mile segment of the fourmile stretch from Rochester to Lake Orion. The program kicks off on April 22 at 9 a.m., and they will return in October for another cleanup. They are still searching for one more group to commit to a section of the trail.
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“We are missing a one-mile segment,” Brooks said. “We thought it would be easy (to find volunteers), and it was actually quite hard. As you keep asking people and hearing ‘no,’ it makes it harder.” Brooks, Stephens and Thomas have been Girl Scouts for more than eight years. The experience has provided invaluable life lessons. “It’s taught me that I can do more things than I had imagined,” Thomas said. “I can collaborate with other people to help the community and the world.” Paint Creek Trail manager Kristen Myers has been instrumental in helping organize the project. “(Myers) has done a lot for us,” Thomas said. “We even got a donation from Paint Creek Trail Friends.” Troop Leader Kelly Brooks was particularly proud of the scouts’ resolve at times when they encountered rejection and ran into obstacles. “They have found new skills they can use and know what it takes to lead and make something good happen,” Kelly said. “The way kids are now, they need instant gratification. It was a really long time for kids this age to stick with something and keep up the momentum. It really speaks to their character.” Brooks, Stephens and Thomas have become more confident through Girl Scouts and they have learned the importance of giving back. “It has taught me that I can be a leader,” Brooks said. “You can step outside your box and do more than you could have imagined.” Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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DOWNTOWN
04.17
BLOWING THE WHISTLE
TAKING ON GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATIONS BY LISA BRODY
B
en Graham was 25 years old, and thought he had hit the employment jackpot, having landed what he believed was a dream job as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives, for former Rep. Todd Courser (R-Lapeer). But that job soon turned out to be a nightmare, with Courser having an affair with fellow Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R-Allegan), with whom he shared an office and staff, and having asked his staff, including Graham, to create a rumor that he had had sex with a male prostitute in order to deflect attention from his affair with Gamrat. Graham, along with fellow staffer Keith Allard, confidentially went to House leadership, including then-Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter, to inform them of the affair and coverup. It soon appeared as if leadership turned on Graham and Allard, rather than Courser and Gamrat, in an effort to “protect their own.” “During the course of the investigation, they released my name, full address, Social Security number, full personnel file – it was released on the internet for 12 to 14 hours before they took it down,” Graham said. Eventually fired from their legislative positions, Graham and Allard filed a Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) lawsuit and a wrongful termination suit against both the state House of Representatives, Cotter and Courser and Gamrat, along with lawsuits citing slander, libel and wrongful termination. While they ended up dropping their lawsuits against the two former disgraced legislators, who eventually left the House (Courser, by resignation, and Gamrat, by expulsion), Graham and Allard prevailed against the state House in their whistleblower lawsuit, settling for $515,000, which they split between the two of them, less attorney fees. “I'm pretty young to have gone through something so crazy,” Graham, who just turned 27, said. “It was unpleasant to say the least.” Graham admits he was nervous, and pretty conflicted about filing a whistleblower lawsuit against his former bosses, much less against a legislative body, “because I'm conservative and I believe in limited government. But I also believe in the courts and tort reform. I don't believe in suing just to sue people all the time. I believe only in suing people when you have to. It shouldn't be taken lightly. I wanted to do the right thing.
They were supposed to protect me, and instead they just left me out there. I just wanted to be protected from workplace harassment, and a situation where I shouldn't have to deal with politicians' affairs and coverups.” “Whistleblowers tend to be morally principled individuals that are seeing wrong at their place of employment,” said Shereef Akeel, a Troy attorney with Akeel & Valentine, who has practiced whistleblower law for 21 years. “They see their family pictures on their desk and know that if they say nothing, they will keep their job and take care of their family. But they see the wrongdoing going on, and can't live with it, so they risk it all. They are constantly trying to balance the repercussions of blowing the whistle versus saying nothing and allowing the wrongs to continue. Then their conscience gets the better of them. Their silence is taut approval of the wrongdoing.” The WPA of 1989 is a federal law that protects federal employees who work for the government and report misconduct. A federal agency violates the Whistleblower Protection Act if agency authorities take, or threaten to take, retaliatory action against an employee – or an applicant for a job – because of the disclosure of information that the employee or applicant made. In Michigan, the Whistleblower Protection Act is intended to protect employees, public and private, from wrongful termination or retaliation in a protected activity. Protected activities include those employees who have reported a violation of law, regulation or rule to a public body; employees who were about to report a violation; or employees who have participated in hearings, investigations, or legislative inquiries.
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hile a whistleblower does not have to work for the government or a government agency, and many whistleblowers do work for private companies, in order to file a whistleblower protection lawsuit, they must report the wrongdoing to a government agency, and not just to the human resources department of their company. “There's a misconception about WPA, and about working at a private company, like GM or Ford,” said Akeel. “If they report it to the HR department, they think they've blown the
whistle and are protected – but they're not. You have to go outside the company to a public agency, like the EPA or DNR.” Akeel said there is only one exception, which is called the Kilpatrick Rule, after former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. “If you are working for a city or university – if you're a public employee – if you report it up the chain of command, you're protected,” he said. In 2007, two former Detroit police officers, Gary Brown and Harold Nelthrope, prevailed in a whistleblower lawsuit against Kilpatrick and the city of Detroit, saying city officials made them suffer after they raised questions about alleged wrongdoing within Kilpatrick's security unit. The two were awarded $6.5 million. Brown – who today is director for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, claimed he was fired in 2003 because he was looking into allegations into drunk driving accidents, falsified overtime records, and claims that two former mayoral bodyguards the mayor used helped facilitate and cover up extramarital affairs. Brown was awarded $3.6 million by a jury. In 2013, Kilpatrick was convicted of 24 federal felony counts and sentenced to 28 years in federal prison. Brown did not return phone calls to Downtown newsmagazine. Steve Shaya was a contract employee for the city of Hamtramck – unlike Brown, who was a full -time employee – working as the director of public services. Shaya didn't like that certain police officers were moonlighting at local garages after work – against a city ordinance that forbid the subcontracting of city employees, especially without disclosure of their extracurricular work to city council. “The Hamtramck officers were assigned also to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), and when there were busts, they were taking the seized vehicles and calling DA Auto Restoration Towing (in Hamtramck), where the rates were astronomical. They made money off this, their buddies were working there, and they were billing the city,” Shaya's attorney, Mark Koroi of Plymouth, said. He said Shaya and fellow whistleblower Cathie Graham, who was on the city council at the time, felt the officers should have disclosed the arrangement and that they were working there in their off hours. Since they didn't, Koroi said Shaya and Graham reported it to then-city manager William Cooper, who insisted it must stop due to conflict of interest concerns. Koroi said he believes the officers did stop. And then Cooper was suddenly fired in March of 2012, after developing a strained relationship with council in the few months prior to his firing. Cooper accused the city of breach of contract and settled with them for $142,000. But Shaya's travails were not over. “On
November 15, 2013, my client was having lunch (at home in Hamtramck), and he goes back to work, and he gets contacted by the same officer he reported (for working at DA Auto),” Koroi said. “He said there's been a report of a hit and run – 'you hit somebody.' Essentially, my client went to the emergency manager and said, 'Look at my vehicle – there's no new damage. There's nothing there. It's BS.' It got turned over to the city manager, because supposedly there was a 911 call reporting it.” Koroi said the 911 tape actually exonerated Shaya, because the information in the alleged 911 call was different in all ways – from the time of the incident, the supposed intersection, that the person in the hit and run was black (Shaya is Chaldean), and other inconsistencies, including that the caller said the vehicle was struck in the side of the vehicle, while the officer told Shaya the damage was to the hatchback. “It had to be fabricated,” Koroi said, noting that the officer who called Shaya was caught on tape bent over laughing in the interrogation room. Charges against Shaya were eventually discharged, and Shaya filed a $10 million whistleblower lawsuit against the city of Hamtramck in February 2014. He was terminated from his job with Hamtramck on October 23, 2014, and the city settled with him on March 3, 2017. He is now employed with another Wayne County municipality as director of public services. “With whistleblower protections, whether at the state or federal level, the purpose is to protect the integrity of the law by removing barriers to employee efforts to report violations of the law,” said Jason Shinn of Shinn Legal of Keego Harbor, who represents employers and individuals in whistleblower compliance. “In other words, whistleblower protections protect the public by protecting employees who report violations of laws and regulations.”
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raham, the state legislative whistleblower, is today a resident of Dryden in Lapeer County, with his wife and baby, and has his own construction company, having left the political arena, disillusioned. As a youth, Graham was homeschooled, and went to a small Baptist Bible college in Ohio, where he majored in public administration. “I got
involved with politics at a young age. I would listen to talk radio in the afternoons,” he recalled. “At 16, I volunteered for my first campaign – for Dick DeVos for governor. After that, I got more and more involved in politics, and in 2008 I met Todd Courser and volunteered for his first race, which he lost.” He went to college, and returned to Lapeer County, and worked on Courser's 2010 state Senate run, which he again lost, as well as a 2013 challenge for the state Republican Party chair, before Courser won his state House seat in 2014, which he also worked on. He admits there was something about Courser that drew him in. “He has a captivating personality. He is very outgoing and very manipulative,” Graham noted. “I was taken in by his personality. I believed he was a politician who could affect real change, and he was somebody I could really support. And it turns out I was wrong about that.” While Michigan does not have a central database to determine how many whistleblower lawsuits have been filed or determined in the state, federally there were 3,355 total whistleblower suits in 2016, up from 1,842 in 2006. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) agency receives the most lawsuits each year, as it is the federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation. “A key element of WPA is where it can can cause public harm or compromise safety,” Akeel noted, where a company or individual is not following or enforcing important rules, an employee reports it to the state or federal agency and is then fired for that, or suffers retaliation. Of the number of whistleblower complaints in 2016, out of the 3,402 total cases, 63 were found to have merit, with 441 settled and 376 being settled or having another resolution. There were 712 cases withdrawn, 1,715 dismissed and 95 kicked out of court. In 2015, when there were 3,337 cases filed, 45 were found to have merit, and 485 were settled, with 313 having another positive resolution. There were 1,665 cases dismissed, 106 cases kicked out of court, and 723 withdrawn. “To establish a whistleblower claim under Michigan law, an individual must initially show that the individual was engaged in a protected activity, as defined by the WPA; the individual was discharged; and a causal connection existed between the protected activity and discharge,” Shinn explained. He said that protected activity under the WPA may consist of reporting to a public body a violation of a law, regulation or rule, or being about to report such a violation to a public body, or being asked by a public body to participate in an investigation. “In our experience, an employee asserting the second type of claim – an 'about to report' claim – is often the most difficult to establish,” he said. “This is in part because
the individual who with 'a clear and convincing evidence that he or she or a person acting on his or her behalf was about to report, verbally or in writing, a violation or suspected violation...to a public body.' Also, to assert a whistleblower claim under Michigan law, the violation or suspected violation must have already occurred or be ongoing. It is not legally enough for an employee to report some conduct or act that might occur. In other words, future, planned, or anticipated acts that would cause a violation or a suspected violation of law are not included.”
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hile there are a patchwork of numerous protective statutes under state and federal law, a main and comprehensive area of whistleblower law is the False Claims Act, also known as the Lincoln Law, a statute enacted in 1863 to fight widespread fraud when companies were selling rotten food and defective weapons to the Union Army in the Civil War. The False Claims Act imposes a liability on people and companies who defraud government programs. “It's for federal cases where the government has been defrauded, and (we) bring the case on behalf of the government as well as against the companies,” said Philip Brown, an attorney with Constantine Canon, a private New York and Washington D.C. law firm which evaluates claims and lawsuits on behalf of the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), IRS, and other agencies. The law allows private citizens, who are legally known as relators, to bring a lawsuit on the government's behalf, and if the government prevails, they are rewarded with between 15 and 30 percent of the government's recovery. This kind of lawsuit is also referred to as qui tam, and was largely resuscitated in the 1980s, during the Reagan administration, when according to Constantine Canon, “there were widespread reports of shocking abuses by government contractors, including billing $400 for hammers, $1,000 for bolts, and $7,000 for coffee pots...In 2009 and 2010, the law was revised to provide greater protections and incentives for whistleblowers.” In fiscal year 2016 (ending September 30, 2016), the Justice Department recovered over
$4.7 billion in settlements and judgements from false claims against the government. Of the $4.7 billion recovered, $2.5 billion came from the health care industry, including drug companies, medical device companies, hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, and doctors. Many of these cases, the Department of Justice stated, were Medicaid fraud cases from state programs, and experts estimated that up to 10 percent of all healthcare billings are lost to fraud.
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tate false claims acts in Michigan are limited to health care fraud. The Constantine Cannon law firm stated that the Michigan Medicaid False Claim Act applies to false claims presented under the state's social welfare act, and a successful whistleblower can receive between 15 and 25 percent of the proceeds in cases where the state intervenes; if the state doesn't intervene, a successful whistleblower can receive between 25 and 30 percent of the proceeds – unless the whistleblower was involved in the violation. The next largest recoveries came from the financial industry, from the housing and mortgage fraud crisis, were the ripples are still being felt, with $1.7 billion being recovered in fiscal year 2016. Looking forward to fiscal year 2017, $48 million will have come from a settlement agreement on December 16, 2016, from United Shore Financial Services LLC of Troy, which agreed to pay the United States the amount to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act in a whistleblower suit, by knowingly originating and underwriting mortgage loans insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA), that did not meet applicable requirements. In announcing the settlement, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, said, “The settlement holds United Shore accountable for its endorsement of ineligible loans for FHA mortgage insurance. Over the past several years, the civil division, in collaboration with numerous U.S. Attorneys' Offices, HUD, and its Office of Inspector General, has diligently worked to hold FHA-approved lenders
accountable for actions that deprived homeowners of their homes, wasted taxpayer funds, and contributed to the financial crisis.” United Shore did not respond. Quicken Loans of Detroit has been targeted with similar lawsuits, and in early March 2017, U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith ruled that a lawsuit over questionable loan practices filed by the federal government can proceed, although the timeline was narrowed. Another recent example of a large settlement due to the False Claims Act is the diesel emissions scandal that forced Volkswagen to plead guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice, and falsifying statements as part of a $4.3 billion settlement with the U.S. Justice Department in January 2017, over a scandal that the automaker had intentionally cheated on emissions tests. In total, VW agreed to spend up to $25 billion in the U.S. to address the claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers, as well as offering to buy back about a half-million polluting vehicles in the U.S. Brown said in recent years, the SEC, CFTC and IRS have been ramping up their whistleblower programs, “bringing in bigger and bigger rewards.” The cornerstone of a whistleblower claim under the False Claims Act is proof that fraud or misconduct on the part of the company caused the government to suffer a financial loss. According to the Department of Justice, whistleblowers filed 702 qui tam, or False Claims Act, cases in fiscal year 2016, and “the department recovered $2.9 billion in these and earlier filed suits this past year. The government awarded the whistleblowers $519 million during the same period,” Mizer said. Brown explained that an individual can bring in a complaint, and it will be filed in federal court, sealed under the suit, and then the Department of Justice investigates the complaint. While the suit is under seal, the whistleblower is protected and stays anonymous. “Usually the case can be under seal for a while, anywhere from 60 days to a few years,” he said, depending on the agency. Brown and his colleagues at Constantine Canon, where there are 22 attorneys dedicated just to whistleblower law, “A lot of lawyers get into this field because we want to do good,” he explained, interview the complainant, “and if the agency decides to pursue the (whistleblower) suit, it's their show. If they decline, there are other remedies.” For an employee who has in essence tattled on their employer, why is it so important to be shielded by the Whistleblower Protection Act? “Retaliation can be through the silent
treatment (at work), being iced out, not being invited to meetings you normally would be,” said Shereef Akeel. “Some employers are very clever, and they lawyer up and cover it. They'll give the employee (who blew the whistle) less desirable jobs, or move them to the night shift. Maybe they're not given their customary Christmas bonus, or are not put on the Christmas list. They could be ostracized. You're living through this gut-wrenching experience, and then you're ostracized. It's very difficult for the whistleblower. And it's even more difficult because they're usually such black-andwhite, right-and-wrong type of a person.” Jason Shinn concurred. “Many forms of retaliation stem beyond termination: threats or discrimination against you regarding your compensation; terms, conditions, location or privileges of employment.” An individual can also experience layoffs, blacklisting, demotion, the denial of overtime or of promotion, being disciplined, loss of benefits, failure to hire or rehire, being intimidated or harassed, the making of threats, reduction of pay or hours, and a reassignment that affects an employee's prospects for promotion. The False Claim Act is but one of several fraud laws that assist whistleblowers, from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which protects employees, contractors and agents of publicly traded companies who report fraud by the company against its shareholders. Employees who are able to win under this statute may be able to be reinstated to their prior position, receive back pay and seniority level, special damages, and whistleblower attorney's fees.
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ithin various industries, there are specific laws and acts that tackle fraud and whistleblower suits pertaining to those fields, with all of the statutes focused on either public health or safety; the environment; employee rights; or the integrity of the public securities and financial markets. They include such statutes as Crop Insurance Fraud for farmer's and the agricultural industry; flood insurance; the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 that was passed as part of the Dodd-Frank legislations, which protects whistleblowers for reporting
violations on numerous federal laws governing consumer financial products and services, including mortgages, credit cards and loans. There is also the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008, protecting whistleblowers for reporting on violations on safety standards for consumer products, and the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, for violations of food safety standards. The EPA has seven federal environmental laws protecting government and private employees reporting environmental violations, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act, among others. The newest, Brown said, enacted in December of 2015, is the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act. “It's modeled after the SEC program. Essentially, a whistleblower who brings safety concerns about a motor vehicle receives an award as well as receiving whistleblower protection,” he said, noting the huge settlements in the last few years over major automotive safety issues, from Takata with air bags to General Motors with their key fobs. “We're seeing a lot of people reaching out. We've had clients come to us that are reaching out because they've been retaliated and their employment has drastically changed, and they're reaching out to find out what they could do,” Brown said. “They literally are just trying to keep their job, or be compensated if they just lost their job.”
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or someone filing under the national Whistleblower Act, under the False Claims Act, Brown said they have 10 years to file their suit. In state situations, it's a little different. The Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act, enacted in 1980, requires that an action be filed within 90 days of the occurrence that is the basis of the claim, which many attorneys assert is the major shortfall in Michigan's law. “In Michigan, it's too strict. Ninety days is a huge impediment,” said attorney Akeel. “While the statute protects the employees who blow the whistle, the weakness of the WPA statute is that it has the shortest statute of any law. In Michigan's WPA, relief includes reinstatement, back pay, fringe benefits,
seniority rights, injunctive relief, actual damages, and costs and attorney's fees. A violator is liable for a civil fine of not more than $500. “They've just been fired and that is very tragic. When someone gets fired, it takes them a month to just realize what happened,” Akeel continued. “They have to figure it out, why they've been fired. Then maybe they learn there's the whistleblower act. They come to my office and it's too late. That's the biggest reason why whistleblower suits fail. Look, with personal injury suits, they have three years to bring a lawsuit. Breach of contract, six years. Fraud, ten years. We see one to three a week, and it's an unknown act – why they often don't prevail, because they don't know about it in time.” Mark Koroi also thinks that Michigan's WPA does not adequately protect as many whistleblowers as it could, “because with only 90 days to file, you can't do a full background check and complete all the research, find the facts and interview the witnesses you need to. You need a couple of years. With WPA, there is no temporal proximity.” Jason Shinn asserted that Michigan's whistleblower statute “is similar to the federal and other state laws regarding the protected activity, types of retaliation, and burden of proof variations. The most significant difference between Michigan whistleblower protection and other states concerns notice. Certain states first require the employee bring the issue to the attention of a supervisor or the employer, who is then given a 'reasonable opportunity' to correct the violation, but under Michigan law, no such advance notice is required before an employee is entitled to whistleblower protection.” To Shinn, the reason many challengers in whistleblower lawsuits do not prevail has to do with competing story lines – while the fired employee claims retaliation, the employer counters the employee was a poorly performing employee who is disgruntled after being fired. “Against that backdrop, if an individual sues within the statute of limitations and meets the evidentiary framework, a presumption of retaliation arises,” Shinn explained. “However, the employer can rebut that presumption by offering a legitimate reason or reasons for making the adverse employment decision. For a whistleblower case to be valid, the employee must prove there is a causal connection between the act of retaliation and discrimination and the activity protected under the whistleblower statute.” Akeel agrees. “Courts have been mixed – did the employe get fired because of the whistleblower or because of poor performance? It's 50-50 in my experience. The attorney lives and dies by the credibility of
the witness. If the person is moral and upstanding, with excellent performance reviews, and is only fired once the whistle is blown, the court goes their way.” Brown, who works on a federal level, said if the government intervenes in a whistleblower case, “there a high likelihood it's going to lead to a settlement,” noting cases rarely go to a trial. “We'll see it more and more (of settlements), because the incentives are there. If the government does not intervene, and it goes to trial, you're entitled to a higher percentage.”
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hile the Michigan Accountability Index Report card rated the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act as being below par, and having a ranking of 42nd out of 51 states, plus the District of Columbia, for its lack of breadth of coverage and that it doesn't include collective bargaining rights, Brown disagrees. “I definitely don't think so. Michigan seems like an active office. New York may have a bigger office, but Michigan brings plenty of good cases, and has good statutes,” he said, noting cases brought by former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade included successful prosecutions of Dr. Farid Fata, the Rochester Hills oncologist who convinced hundreds of patients they had cancer in order to bilk Medicaid for chemotherapy treatments. “That was a False Claims Act whistleblower case. That's the kind of case where maybe it's not the most profitable, but it's the right thing to do.” He also pointed out the Kilpatrick prosecution, which initially stemmed from whistleblower complaints, and “I give Michigan credit for auto cases. I think the attorney general's office is quite active and does a good job. Some states don't have any Medicaid whistleblower statutes.” In Michigan, he pointed out, there are state statutes which mirror the federal level, and there is the ability to file under federal statutes. “It's a very, very stressful process. You really want people to know what they're getting into,” Brown emphasized. “We have their best interests at heart. We tell them they can't just be in it for the money. They have to know we keep everything confidential.”
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MUNICIPAL Events planned for city Bicentennial By Kevin Elliott
Nearly a dozen events, with more to come, have been scheduled this year by downtown Rochester that will take place throughout the greater Rochester area to celebrate the bicentennial of the city of Rochester. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the city of Rochester, which was founded in 1817 as the first settlement in Oakland County. To mark the event, the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is in the process of coordinating a series of special events that will celebrate the bicentennial. Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Kristi Trevarrow told Rochester Hills city council members at their meeting on Monday, February 27, that several annual events, as well as new events, are planned throughout the year. "We wanted to tell you about some of the events we have been working on, some events you might want to put on your calendars and the return of an event that is very near and dear to some people's hearts," she said. Bicentennial events kicked off on Sunday, March 12, at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm with a Founder's Day celebration. That event was hosted by Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin and her husband, Tom Daldin, host of the popular PBS show, "Under the Radar." The Greater Rochester Heritage Days event, which is held in May each year in Rochester Municipal Park, will be held on May 20 and 21 this year. The event, which includes arts and crafts, will feature a car show with maker demonstrations such as rug and candle making. This year will also mark the return of the "Floatable Boatables" event. "Anyone who's lived in this community for a while understands what Floatable Boatables was. For anyone who doesn't, Floatable Boatables is when you would actually create your own watercraft â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I use that term very loosely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; out of materials from your home, whether it be milk jugs or who knows what. It usually had a theme, and then you would float down the Paint Creek," she said. "It really wasn't a race â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was more judged on theme, overall look, costumes, and if your watercraft actually made it to the end in one piece." downtownpublications.com
Rochester chamber hires new president he Rochester Regional Chamber (RRC) of Commerce has hired former Orion-area chamber director Alaina Campbell to oversee operations as the chamber's new president. Campbell, who replaces former president Sheri Heiney, started her new position as president of the chamber on Monday, March 6. She previously worked for the past seven years as the executive director of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served as the director of business development for the Legacy Center and Urban Air in Oxford. "It's a very progressive chamber, and we wanted someone who would really be creative and do innovative things and grow it," said Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors President Mary Mbiya. "It was really a combination of different things. We thought she would be the right candidate." Mbiya, who served on the five-member search committee which hired Campbell, said the committee received many resumes before meeting with the top five candidates. From there, the list of candidates was reduced to one, which was Campbell. Mbiya said it was a combination of Campbell's experience and proven ability to build relationships that set her apart from other candidates. Campbell replaces former president Sheri Heiney, who left the job in January to serve as president of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in Prescott, Arizona. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1955 and serves as the principal voice of the greater Rochester region's business community. The non-profit organization aims to provides leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
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Keeping true to the original event, registration will be held at $2 per craft. Trevarrow said the theme of the event hasn't yet been determined. Other events include the Rochester 200 Project, which will run from May 30 to June 17 at the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. The event features 200 10 x10 art canvases painted with each artist's favorite Rochester memories. The paintings are then displayed and sold for $50 each. The Bicentennial Barn Dance is scheduled for June 23 at the new equipment barn at the Rochester Van Hoosen Farm. The event is a joint fundraiser by Rochester and Rochester Hills for the Bicentennial Monument at Rochester Municipal Park and the new Equipment Barn at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. The event will feature food, a silent auction, square dancing, a pie stand and other activities. Rochester Homecoming is scheduled for August 12 at Rochester Municipal Park, which will include a Bike Parade, Pioneer Playground and Shop, a mobile farm from Upland Hills Farm, live entertainment, a hot air balloon float, and fireworks. "This is our big event, this is the one thing that is going to be a celebration for all things Rochester,"
Trevarrow said. "For the last 18 months, I've been throwing out questions asking people 'what are your favorite memories of Rochester. If you could bring one thing back into Rochester, what would it be?' That's how we started building Homecoming." Two "Walk in Time" historic walks through downtown Rochester will take place in June and August, with dates to be determined at a later time. The events will feature actors at historic sites telling their stories. Additional events that are being coordinated involve participation from businesses and residents, such as Business Milestones, which will celebrate major milestone anniversaries in June; A Year In Time photo submission event through March and December, which will allow residents to submit photos with their families in front of their homes to be kept for future generations; a year-long exhibit at the Rochester Hills Museum; the Daffodil Quilt Challenge Bicentennial Exhibit on May 5 through May 7; a Rochester theme for the 2017 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade; and a introduction of a Bicentennial Beer by the Rochester Mills Beer Company. "We have lots of community partners that are still trying to figure
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out what they want to do, and things are coming together day after day of more people stepping up and wanting to be a part of our celebration," Trevarrow said.
Plans underway for fire station renovation A site plan outlining a $4.4 million renovation to Rochester Hills' Fire Station No. 4 was approved on Tuesday, February 21, by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission. Renovation plans for the 4,055 square-foot building include a 5,608 square-foot addition along the eastern side of the building, at 2723 Walton Boulevard, east of Adams Road. The renovation and addition were approved as an alternative to initial plans to demolish the existing building and construct a new one, which the city determined to be too costly. Rochester Hills Building Director Scott Cope said the original fire station, which was built in 1976, was designed for a lower population and call volume, which has increased since the 1980s. The renovation is intended to maintain the facility and response times for current and future fire and medical calls. Planning commissioners in January of 2015 approved an initial site plan for renovating the fire station, which was later redesigned due to cost restraints. City council members in August of 2016 were presented with new plans, which ranged from $2.4 million to $2.6 million in cost. Council members settled on a $2.4 million conceptual plan, which will bring the total space to about 10,010 square feet. The approved plan calls for a separate visitor entry and room for additional fire apparatus, as well as the ability to retain an existing cell tower at the site. The planning commission's approval is subject to several conditions, including increased landscaping to meet the city's ordinance requirements and the approval of an irrigation system. The Rochester Hills Fire Department maintains five fire stations, which are located in each corner of the city, as well as one in the center of the community. The department is a combination department with full-time firefighters/paramedics and paid-oncall firefighters and EMTs who provide emergency response, as well as full-time administrative staff. 39
Two announce city re-election plans Two Rochester Hills city council members have announced they will seek re-election to the board during this year's general election on Tuesday, November 7. City council vice president Stephanie Morita, who represents District 1, and councilman Jim Kubicina, who represents District 2, announced in late February their reelection campaigns. Morita was first elected to city council in 2013, and currently serves as the council's representative on the Rochester Hills planning commission. "I believe that public service is a moral responsibility and have been privileged to work for the residents in District 1 for the past four years," she said. "My family and I love this city, and I want to retain and improve our quality of life. The professionalism of our city and its council are paramount to me, and if granted the honor to be re-elected, I will continue to carry our values, as Rochester Hills residents, forward." Morita currently serves on the Avondale Youth Assistance Board of Directors and the Older Person's Commission (OPC) board of directors, the Rochester Hills Museum Foundation board, the RochesterAuburn Hills Community Coalition, the Michigan Municipal League's finance committee and the River Valley Homeowner's Association. She has also served on the city's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Paint Creek Trailway Commission. Morita works as a municipal attorney for Farmingtonbased Johnson Rosati Schultz Joppich PC, where she specializes in property tax matters. Kubicina has a long history of volunteer coaching that includes more than 30 boys and girls sports teams. Starting with his own children's sports activities, Kubicina joined city council after he began working with the
Rochester Area Recreation Authority (RARA). "I was working with RARA when I started thinking about how much more I could give back and work with our community through city council," he said. "I truly love this community and see the hard work that each individual puts in to making it succeed. Our city government is a big part of that, and I was privileged to be elected to serve on the council following Adam Kochenderfer in 2015." Kubicina was appointed to fill Kochenderfer's seat after Kochenderfer left for a seat on the Oakland County board of commissioners. In addition to his work with RARA, Kubicina has served on several boards and committees in the city, including the Older Persons Commission; the Deer Management Advisory Committee; the Liquor Licensing Committee; Rochester Area Youth Assistance; the Advisory Traffic and Safety Board; the Riverbend Park Naming Committee; the Pine Trace Committee; the Strategic Planning and Policy Review board; the Sister City Committee and the Trailways Commission. Kubicina worked as an industrial engineer for 40 years prior to retiring from the Delphi Corporation, where he held several management positions in manufacturing, engineering and quality control. Both Kubicina's and Morita's terms end on November 19, 2017. Additional seat terms expiring this November will include councilman Thomas Wiggins' District 4 seat and councilman Kevin Brown's at-large council seat. Candidates have until Tuesday, July 25 at 4 p.m. to file for a council seat.
Changes to special event ordinance By Kevin Elliott
Changes to the city of Rochester's ordinance prescribing rules,
Deadline for Rochester 2017 primary election he filing deadline for four Rochester City Council seats open in this year's August 8 primary election, and subsequent November general election, is Tuesday, April 25 at 4 p.m. Four city council seats are up for re-election this year, including those held by Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin and council members Stuart Bikson, Jeffrey Cuthbertson and Ann
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requirements and fees for special events held in the city were approved on Monday, March 27, by city council members. Under the finalized amendment, non-profit organizations seeking special event permits in the city will be required to provide the city with tax information or a GuideStar report outlining the organization's finances to be included during the application process. The second and final reading of the amendment was approved by a vote of 6-1, with councilwoman Ann Peterson voting against the amendment. While ordinance amendments are required to receive two readings before they are finalized, this vote was the third such vote on the amendment. City council on February 13 approved the first reading of the ordinance by a vote of 6-1, with councilwoman Peterson voting against the amendment. Council also on February 13 approved an updated fee schedule to be included in the amendment, which will require non-profit organizations to reimburse the city for 75 percent of all costs it incurs to support an event that are over $100, beginning on January 1, 2018. Prior to new fees taking effect, non-profits are required to reimburse the city for 10 percent of its costs that exceed $1,000. That schedule, which also places the permit fee for non-profits at $100 for the first year and $75 for subsequent years, was approved 5-2 with councilwoman Peterson and councilman Stuart Bikson voting against it. Bikson and Peterson on February 27 voted against a second reading of the full ordinance amendment, which was approved 3-2, with councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson and mayor Cathy Daldin absent. Because of the number of council members absent, the amendment returned before a full council for a final vote on Monday, March 27. The vote on March 27 was made
Peterson. The three candidates who receive the highest votes in November will serve four-year terms, while the candidate with the fourth highest number of votes will serve a two-year term. Candidates must submit both the nominating petitions and an affidavit of identity to the city clerk's office by 4 p.m. April 25 to appear on the ballot. Candidates must be 25 years old, a registered elector in the city, and a resident of the city for at least one year prior to the election.
without any discussion. However, both Bikson and Peterson said previously that they opposed the amendment because they felt the fee schedule would place a burden on non-profits that benefit the city. Further, Peterson said she didn't feel the additional GuideStar report was necessary if non-profits provide tax information.
City seeks funding for Hamlin Road Repairs needed along a stretch of Hamlin Road between N. Squirrel Road and Adams Road in Rochester Hills may be addressed in 2018 under funding being sought by the city from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Rochester Hills Director of Public Services Alan Schneck said the stretch of road, which runs from Adams Road to Old Adams Road, and intersects Hamlin near the FANUC America Corporation property, is currently under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC). While he said the stretch of road is in very poor condition, it isn't currently identified in the city's long-term transportation plan. "Mayor (Bryan) Barnett deserves a lot of the credit because this particular project was nowhere on the Transportation Improvement Program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what's commonly called the TIP," Schneck said. "There were no funds allocated from the Oakland County Federal Aid Committee with it for the next four years, and the mayor lobbied Mr. (Dennis) Kolar, who is (RCOC) managing director, to say, 'hey, we have to do something.' And that's where they came up with the concept that 'we will split the project with you.'" In addition to working with the RCOC, the city is seeking about $1.2 million from MDOT's Transportation Economic Development Fund, which provides matching funds for
An August primary election will be held only if nine or more candidates file petitions. Should the primary election be cancelled, all qualified candidates will appear on the November 7, general election ballot. At least 25 and no more than 50 signatures from registered electors must appear on nominating petitions. The affidavit of identity must be submitted with the nominating petitions, and the form must be notarized. Interested parties may pick up petitions and identify forms at City Hall.
infrastructure projects that support development and economic growth. "Anytime a development comes into a city, you can actually leverage that development to garner funding for improvement to the infrastructure within the influence of that development," Schneck said. In January, Molex LLC announced it had purchased the former Volkswagen property at 3499 W. Hamlin Road, where it would relocate its business unit headquarters and invest about $16 million in improvements, resulting in nearly 300 new jobs in the city. The proposed $5.3 million project, of which the city would agree to pay about $2 million, would include the total removal and replacement of pavement. The city anticipates the project would be scheduled for 2018, if approved by MDOT. Ownership of that particular stretch of Hamlin Road was to be conveyed to the city from the county following the re-alignment of Adams Road, but wasn't done due to right-ofway issues, Schneck said. Under the proposal, the stretch of road would be conveyed to the city after the project is completed, placing the entire length of Hamlin Road in the city under the jurisdiction of Rochester Hills. City council voted unanimously to approve the application. If approved by MDOT, the city's funding portion for the project would be included in the city's 2018 capital improvement plan and budget.
Police finish annual liquor license check By Kevin Elliott
Overall police activity at liquor establishments in the city of Rochester was down slightly in 2016 from 2015, with only minor corrections needed for building regulations, Rochester Police Chief Steven Schettenhelm said on Monday, March 13, in an annual report to city council members. City code requires inspections of liquor establishments in the city on an annual basis. The inspections include a list of all police and fire activity or contacts at each establishment, as well as a building inspection, tax status and any issues or contacts with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The report, which is compiled by the city's police chief, is presented to council members each year. "We go through and look at police activity at all of our licensed liquor downtownpublications.com
Costs increase for bicentennial monument roblems discovered with the ground at the entrance of Rochester Municipal Park forced city council members on Monday, March 27, to decide whether to provide additional funding for the city's bicentennial monument or delay its unveiling on August 12 at the city's Homecoming event. City council a year ago approved $190,000 in funding to pay for the monument, which will consist of a large sundial surrounded by historic decade stones depicting key moments in the city's history. Benches and engraved brick pavers will also surround the monument. The project is being paid for by the city, which is hoping to recoup expenditures through fundraising activity and sponsorship opportunities. Council members Stuart Bikson and Ann Peterson last year voted against the project, citing concerns about the cost. To date, about $15,600 has been raised through donations, brick and stone sponsorships. Deputy city manager Nik Banda said at the meeting that the cost of the project has increased to $272,915, with the additional $82,915 associated with unstable soils near the pond that need to be mitigated before the monument can be constructed. Council voted 5-2 to approve the additional funding to complete the project, with Bikson and Peterson voting against the measure.
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establishments," Schettenhelm said. "We also look at, myself and the building official, any kind of safety and liquor license violations, and those are noted here in the report, as well." The report included 21 liquor establishments in the city. Schettenhelm said all issues regarding building codes were minor. "It's important to note that for almost every licensed liquor establishment, police activity is down. Also, building violations were usually very minor in nature, like an 'EXIT' light is out, or something like that, showing that our establishment owners have a commitment to safety and have been very appreciative of our suggestions and those inspections." Police and fire activity incidents included in the annual report range from routine patrol checks, medical calls, after-hour alarms and vehicle lock-outs, to complaints about noise, disorderly or troublesome patrons, thefts, fights and other incidents. Police note that activity in the report may not be complete, and calls may not have been related directly to the establishment, but rather the address that police or fire responders recorded in the call for service. Establishments that had incidents included in the report were Main Street Billiards, 215 S. Main Street, which had 50 calls for service in the last year, including a strong-arm robbery, two thefts, one fight, an assault, and a disorderly conduct incident; O'Connor's, 324 S. Main, which had 21 calls for service,
including a noise complaint and an embezzlement. The Fraternal Order of Eagles, at 650 Woodward, had one call for service, but was issued a warning from the Michigan Liquor License Control Commission (MLCC) for an insurance issue, although it was not a liquor license violation, as did Bologna Via Cucina, 334 S. Main. Other establishments had some calls for service, but no major issues. City officials noted Rojo, 401 S. Main, which filed for bankruptcy last year, is delinquent for its 2014 taxes. Councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson said council instituted the process for annual inspection reports in the past to determine if any establishments were disproportionately using city resources in the course of normal operation, and if so, to find avenues to adjust.
Self-storage building for Rochester Hills Plans were approved on Tuesday, February 21, by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission for a threestory, 110,000-square-foot self-storage facility on Avon Industrial Drive, just west of Crooks. NorthPoint Development, of Clayton, Missouri, is proposing the construction of a Beyond Self Storage facility on about 2.79 acres of land. Planning commissioners in March of 2016 approved building several multitenant retail buildings at the location, however, when those weren't constructed, NorthPoint informed the city it intended to purchase the site
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and develop it with one larger selfstorage facility, interim planning director Sara Roediger told planning commissioners. The proposed self-storage facility will offer drive-through loading, indoor climate controlled units and security monitoring. Although the proposed business will operate until 10 p.m., seven days a week, Roediger said there shouldn't be much traffic or light emission, as business operations will be conducted indoors, with loading and unloading primarily at the facility in a drive-through area. Additionally, she said, limited parking will be required, reducing the need for extra paving. Under the city's zoning requirements for the proposed project, which is zoned as regional employment center - interchange, or REC-I, mini warehouses must have three spaces, plus one space per employee, which brings the total parking requirement for the proposed project to four. The proposed building's design will consist of mainly metal panels and trim with finished dryvit for the entrance.
Landmark property decision held up By Kevin Elliott
Rochester city council members on Monday, March 13, endured claims of practicing questionable ethics, cronyism and attempting to take personal property in the pursuit of benefiting city businesses before eventually tabling a vote on whether or not to include one of the city's historic homes on a potentially protected list of properties. City council in January delayed voting on whether to add a home, located at 1311 N. Main Street, to the city's list of historic landmark properties. The designation, which was created in the city's 2014 historic preservation ordinance, allows city council to take potential actions to protect the historically significant aspects of a home should the homeowner choose to demolish or fundamentally change the property. The property owners, David Stakor and Susan Lawrence, informed city council they don't want the home included on the list, as they feel it would restrict their ability to update, renovate or sell the home. Council members were divided on the issue earlier this year when other properties were placed on the list against the wishes of those property 41
owners. However, the home discussed at the March 13 meeting, known as the Haselswerdt House, is the only residential property to be included on the landmark list. "I/we believe the action of the council that would approve the list as historical designations to be overreaching, restrictive, arbitrary, and capricious, not to mention unfair," the property owners said in a letter to council that appeared to threaten litigation against the city should the property be included on the list. Similar comments were echoed by Lawrence at the meeting. Lawrence also said the fact that other properties of historical significance had been torn down in the past at the urging of developers, giving some of the actions the appearance of "cronyism." "The entire process leading to tonight's vote has been despicable," she said. City attorney Jeffrey Kragt said the designation wouldn't necessarily restrict the homeowners. Instead, he said, it would allow city administration to alert council if any actions were taken that would change the building's historical character, which in turn could require the owners to come before council for final approval. Council members Ann Peterson and mayor pro-tem Kim Russell said the requirements amount to restrictions and create potential problems for the homeowners. "Being part of the real estate community, this has hindered homes from being updated, and I'm afraid this will keep some from being updated properly and cause problems in the future," Peterson said. "There are too many unknowns right now. You never know who will be on this council later and how they will feel about something." Russell said she believed when she voted in favor of the ordinance that property owners would have the ability to opt-out of being included on the list. "The problem is a homeowner does not want to be on the list," she said. "Sitting up here, that was very clear. We were going to give them an opt-in or opt-out status. It's their property. They own it. It's not our property. Make no bones about it, when you're on the list, there is something else that has to be done." Council member Rob Ray said the point of the list is for the city to document the most historically significant properties in the city, and that the ordinance gives the city a 42
Landmark debate may prompt change By Kevin Elliott
ochester City Council this April will consider whether to eliminate a reference to landmark properties that have significant meaning to the community from the city's historic preservation ordinance, following a decision on Monday, March 27 to exclude a residential home from the list of such properties. The city in 2014 approved a historic preservation ordinance that gives property owners the ability to opt into historic districts that serve to identify and protect historic property in the city. The ordinance also includes the designation of "landmark" properties, or those with local significance. That designation, which can be placed on a property without the owner opting into a historic district, allows for potential proceedings on the city's behalf should the property owner seek to demolish or alter the historical value of the property. The city's historic commission is responsible for identifying the landmark properties, and owners are notified of the designation and the opportunity to appeal it before city council. Council may remove the property from the list if the owner shows evidence that there isn't adequate historical value for it to be designated as a landmark property. Council members, at the meeting on March 27, voted 5-2 to remove a property at 1311 N. Main Street, with council members Jeffrey Cuthbertson and Ben Giovanelli voting in favor of the landmark designation. Eleven of the proposed landmark properties have previously received the designation, either by opting in or by a vote from city council. The vote came after repeated objections from the property owners and other members of the public who said they felt the city was usurping the owner's property rights. Council members who voted to remove the home from the list agreed. Cuthbertson, following the vote, suggested the council consider striking the landmark designation from the ordinance and updating it to be more in line with state law allowing for historic preservation ordinances. Further, he said the vote was a departure from the city's ordinance, which requires appeals to be made on the historical value of the property. "That departure is more of a concern to me than the historic preservation that is in play," Cuthbertson said. "This is a high-water mark, and people should consider this."
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way to have a conversation about those properties before they are razed. Mayor Cathy Daldin agreed. "I can tell you, we get tons of calls from people after (demolitions) are already done about why didn't you do anything," Daldin said. "To me, this is the other side of the argument." Councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson said the main concern and spirit of the ordinance and list is to stop the bulldozing of historically significant landmark property in the city. "It has happened. It will continue to happen until this body says, 'look, we want to put a line in the sand on certain properties that other experts have said are the most important for this community.' If we don't do something along those lines, we will end up with a community that no longer has a history, over time," he said. "To me, it matters. It matters enough to have this argument, to
have people come in here and effectively question my integrity, question my service as a public official, tell me they don't vote for me. The point is, it's worth it. It's worth taking that from people out here to say that 'this history matters.'" Council concluded the discussion without a final vote on the matter, rather opting to table a vote until the full council was in attendance, as council members Stuart Bikson and Ben Giovanelli were absent. Council voted 3-2 in favor of tabling the vote, with council members Peterson and Russell voting against the decision.
2017 Rochester Hills road projects Rochester Hills city council members on Monday, March 13, approved about $5 million in
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contract agreements in conjunction with the city's two road rehabilitation programs for 2017. Council approved a $2.1 million contract with Pro-Line Asphalt Paving Corp. of Washington, Michigan for hot-mix asphalt paving in conjunction with the city's 2017 Asphalt Road Rehabilitation Program. The contract includes a 10percent contingency in the amount of $189,173. The council also approved a $208,213 contract with Spalding DeDecker of Rochester Hills, for engineering services needed with the road rehabilitation projects. Funding for the program includes $1,079,918 from the city's major road fund; $820,848 from the city's local street fund; and about $180,136 from the city's facilities fund. Locations that will be included in the 2017 Asphalt Rehabilitation Program include portions of Brookfield Court; Cedaredge Road; Clear Pointe Court; Fairfield Drive; Innsbruck Drive; Innsbruck Court; Ridgecrest; New Life Lane; Willow Grove Lane; Horizon Court; Rochester Industrial Drive; Rochester Industrial Lane; Rochester Industrial Court; and Fire Station No. 1's rear access road. The work, which is set to begin in the spring after asphalt plants open, includes plans to mill and resurface streets with an asphalt overlay, except Rochester Industrial Park and Fire Station No. 1 access road, which are set for full removal and replacement of existing pavement, and selective curb and gutter replacement. Projects also include upgrading pathway ramps as needed, Rochester Hills Director of Public Services Allan Schneck said. Asphalt work is expected to be finished by late August. In addition to asphalt work, the council approved about $2.7 million for the 2017 Concrete Road Replacement Program, with work to be done by Cipparone Contracting, of Southfield. Concrete work, which is scheduled to begin in April, includes drainage structure adjustment, recondition and reconstruction; installation of under drains; placement of aggregate base for concrete roads and dives, concrete pavement removal and replacement; restoration and other work. Project areas include portions of Pleasant View Drive; Michele Court; Ravine Terrace Court; Park Creek Court; Heritage Hill Court; Brandon 04.17
Court; Ulster Road; Greenspring Lane; Salem Court; Sunbury Court; E. Maryknoll Road; Eagle Drive; Salem Drive; Shellbourne Drive; Stanford Circle; Stanford Circle; Fielding Drive; Terrace Court; Greenspring Lane; Eagle Court; and Pheasant Ring Court. Council also approved a $48,388 contract with Spalding DeDecker for engineering and survey work in conjunction with the Concrete Road Replacement Program. All contracts were unanimously approved by council.
Cedar Valley living units clear planners By Kevin Elliott
A site plan outlining the construction of an 86-unit apartment development along the east side of Rochester Road, just north of Eddington Boulevard, was approved on Tuesday, February 21, by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission. The development will consist of two apartment buildings on about 3.5 acres of land, between Avon and Hamlin roads, which is currently vacant. The project is being undertaken as part of a planned unit development and is designed to connect with Eddington Boulevard, which is in the process of being realigned to the south to connect with Drexelgate Parkway to the west, in order to provide a continuous north-south roadway across Rochester Road. The project was proposed by developer Bret Russell, of SE Metro Property Services, and is currently zoned as R-4 residential with a flexible business overlay. The project will be between adjacent singlefamily residential neighborhoods, Fifth Third Bank to the west, and a neighboring office complex to the north. The units are intended to be luxury apartments, with one- and
two-bedroom units ranging from 700 to 1,250 square feet, and leases expected to range from $1,400 to $3,125 per unit. Buildings will utilize stone and wood or synthetic wood siding, not vinyl, and act as a "Seattle-Portland mix of contemporary that would be nestled in a little valley surrounded by trees," Peter Stuhlreyer, of Designhaus Architecture, told planning commissioners when initially presenting plans in September of 2016. Lisa Winarski, president of the Eddington Farms Homeowners Association, told planning commissioners in September that she felt traffic volume in the area would be doubled, and suggested the city conduct a traffic impact study for Rochester Road. Rochester Hills resident Lorraine McGoldrick also told planning commissioners at the time that she felt traffic was a concern. Several residents of the Eddington Farms subdivision in November 2016 opposed the road alignment project, insisting it would increase traffic and impact safety. Access to the apartment development will include a driveway with dedicated right- and left-turn lanes on Rochester Road, as well as the re-aligned Eddington Boulevard. Interim Rochester Hills Planning Director Sara Roediger said some residents at the planning commission meeting questioned landscaping requirements at the apartment development. The developer requested planning commissioners grant a landscaping buffer waiver along the eastern portion of the property due to the presence of a wetland and mature vegetation. City staff recommended the development include, at a minimum, evergreen trees planted at the eastern corners of the site to buffer the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Planning commissioners also approved a tree removal permit for
Grant sought for Riverbend Park improvements lans for a kayak launch and a boardwalk at Riverbend Park in Rochester Hills could receive funds from a federal grant being sought by the city. Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, March 27, approved applying for $150,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Land and Water Conservation Fund. The fund, which is used to distribute funds from the
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the project, which will allow for the removal of 182 trees, with 54 being replaced at the site, and a credit for 128 trees paid into the city's tree fund. The site plan also calls for two outdoor amenity spaces, or about 12,816 square feet of area to the north of the buildings.
City to bid out janitorial services Concerns about the quality of janitorial services the city of Rochester Hills receives led city council members on Monday, February 27, to forgo renewing a $140,000 contract with its current provider and seek an in-house position for at least a portion of those services. Rochester Hills Building Director Scott Cope said he initially intended to ask city council to renew a oneyear contract with The Professional Group of Detroit, to provide janitorial services at city hall, Fire Station 1, the department of public services garage, and the city's museum buildings. However, recent issues caused him to re-evaluate that request. "We have had some challenges over the past year with this company, and we have had some challenges in the past few weeks that made me question the contract before you," Cope said, who recommended rebidding the contract. The Professional Group in November of 2015 was awarded a one-year, $140,000 contract for janitorial services for the city. While Cope said issues, which have include maintaining regular personnel, aren't necessarily unique to the current provider, he recommended the city retain The Professional Group until a new provider could be selected from a formal bid process. "I recommend a month-to-month
National Park Service from oil and gas royalties, requires matching funds from applicants for local projects. Council approved a commitment of $170,000 for the projects at Riverbend Park. The city's contribution for the projects, if the grant is approved, would come from the city's facility fund. Council has already approved $2,072,000 from that fund for the development of Riverbend Park in its 2016-2018 budget, which includes $1,036,000 in contributions and donations directly for the park.
agreement until we can get an RFP (request for proposal) out there to select another company," Cope said. Councilman Kevin Brown said rebidding the contract would allow the current provider to submit a new proposal, and for the city to consider others. "This wasn't necessarily the lowest bidder at the time (it was awarded), and my personal thought is that if we put it out, this group has an opportunity to rebid it and get it again, so we aren't necessarily saying 'no' to that group. But I think we owe it to the residents and taxpayers to at least look and see," he said. "I don't mind spending a little extra to get something a little above average, but I guess I question whether or not it's above average, and if we are getting what we pay for. That's generally what the bid process is for." Councilwoman Stephanie Morita said the current provider has had about seven different personnel come through specific buildings in recent months, which raised concerns for her at the city's museum. "The last thing we need is that someone comes in, and because they haven't been there before, doesn't know they shouldn't be spraying water in the room where we keep all the newspapers," she said. "There are so many valuable items in there that have to be treated with such care that I think we need to look at hiring someone in-house at the city to take care of the cleaning at the museum." Rather than renewing the current one-year contract with The Professional Group, city council members voted unanimously to retain its services on a month-to-month basis, with a cost not to exceed $60,000, or $12,000 per month, through June 30, 2017. Council also approved moving forward with a request for bid process to accept new bids for janitorial services by the June date.
Rochester Hills Parks and Forestry Director Ken Elwert said the grant funds, if approved, would allow for construction of the projects to begin the fall of 2018. The city in 2016 applied and received $150,000 from the grant program, which is the maximum amount given. Those funds are being used for improving wetlands; constructing the first phase of the boardwalk; and restrooms and minor amenities, such as wayfinding markers, benches and trash cans.
PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Rochester area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown. 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.
Rochester/Rochester Hills 112 Pizzeria Bistro: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2528 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6164. 2941 Street Food: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 87 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4583. Alex’s of Rochester: Italian, Greek, & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.2288. Antoniou’s Pizza: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 918 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.650.2200. Avery’s Tavern: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2086 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.270.4030. B Spot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001. Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841. Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.218.5114. Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1411. Bigalora Wood Fire Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 8 or more. Liquor. 6810 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.218.6230. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.601.7777. Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.3300. Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999. Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.0665. Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406. Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450. Chicken Shack: BBQ. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 213 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1100. Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.5281.
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Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047. Chomp Deli & Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 888.342.2497. CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3260 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.293.2800. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. Clubhouse BFD (Beer-Food-Drink): American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6093. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1418 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.266.6226. Downtown Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 606 N. Main, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.6680. East Side Mario’s: Italian. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2273 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.853.9622. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.606.4519. Famous Dave’s: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2945 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.852.6200. Firehouse Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1480 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.9200. Also 3044 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.7827. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483. Ganbei Chinese Restaurant & Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6687. Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Italian. 117 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.2882. Gold Star Family Restaurant: American & Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 650 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.652.2478. Golden Eagle: American. Lunch, Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1447 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6606. Grand Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 12 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.1350. Half Day Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3134 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.1330. Hamlin Pub: American. Breakfast, Sundays. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1988 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.7700. Hibachi House Bar & Grill: Japanese Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 335 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6055. Honey Tree Grille: Mediterranean. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2949 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.237.0200. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 W. University Drive, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3527.
SERVING DINNER 6 DAYS, BRUNCH ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY. PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES
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301 South Main Street Rochester 48307
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The Rochester area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown. Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information. O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com
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Johnny Black Public House: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4479. Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.844.8900. King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333. Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.0089. Kruse & Muer In the Village: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651. Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.656.9002. Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9862. Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707. Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8441. Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066. Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234. Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills. 248.375.5999. Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900. Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6534. Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.5000. North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.3366. O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S.
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Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960. Outback Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations, eight or more. Liquor. 1880 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.650.2521. Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4205. Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880. Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.5722. Also 2508 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.7430. Park 600 Bar & Kitchen: American. Weekend Brunch. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.2600. Paul’s on Main: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 630 N. Main Sreet., Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0066. Pei Wei: Asian Fusion. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1206 E. Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1380. Penn Station East Coast Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 146. S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.4663. Penny Black Grill & Tap: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 124 W. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1522. Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890. Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668. Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900. Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 304 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.4545. Red Lobster: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2825 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.8090. Red Olive: Mediterranean & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1194 Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0300. Rochester Bistro: American-Continental. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.923.2724. Rochester Brunch House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 301 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1600. Rochester Chop House: Steakhouse & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Rochester Diner & Grill: American, Greek & Italian. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 1416 E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill, 48309. 248.652.6737. Rochester Mills Beer Co.: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Water Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.650.5080. Rochester Tap Room: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870
N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.650.2500. Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.9300. Sakura Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.608.3867. Shish Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 165 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5464. Shogun: Japanese. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 173 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5386. Silver Spoon Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.652.4500. Soho: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2943 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.289.1179. Sumo Sushi & Seafood: Japanese & Korean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 24 hours in advance. Liquor. 418 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.0104. Tapper’s Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 877 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.1983. Tim Hortons: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 940 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.8292. The Jagged Fork: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 188 N. Adams, Rochester Hills, 48306. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. Tropical Smoothie Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2913 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.852.4800. Val's Polish Kitchen: Polish. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. 224 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.2660. Wayback Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1256 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5746. Also 2595 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.2717. Willoughby’s Beyond Juice: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 120 E. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1670.
Troy Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900. McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.
DOWNTOWN
Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.817.2980. Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.
Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 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. Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 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. Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 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. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.
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Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. Ironwood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 6 or more. Liquor. 290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.385.0506. 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. Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. 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. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. 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,
downtownpublications.com
48009. 248.220.4237. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.
North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442. 248.634.5208. Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660.
Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999. Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082. The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1621. Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400.v Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017. 248.288.0220. The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.
Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916. Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. Local Kitchen and Bar: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.5650. Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900. Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127. Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300. The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.
West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.
DOWNTOWN
Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982. The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076. 248.559.5985. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.
West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. The Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390. 248.698.2400. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.
Bates Street Society Dinner
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Bates Street Society Dinner The Community House Board of Directors welcomed 200 to the second annual dinner ($200, $250 tickets) honoring significant donors ($25,000 Sally Gerak plus). It also saluted community Pillars of Vibrancy who were toasted at a preliminary champagne reception. The 2017 Pillars are: Culture - architect Victor Saroki and publisher of Downtown Publications David Hohendorf; Wellness - Richard Astrein and Beaumont Hospital President Rosanna Morris; Philanthropy - Lois Shaevsky and George Miller; Education - Margaret Matthes. They were eulogized by house CEO/President Bill Seklar and received tribute pins from past pillars before joining the dinner crowd. Violinist Adriana Saroki’s selection of “Amazing Grace” was especially appropriate to the program filled with kudos for the pillars donors and past house leaders. “This place exists because of Gale Colwell and Debbie Schrot,” declared Seklar. After dinner speaker Jack Krasula kept the theme going with quotes from such disparate sources as Mother Teresa and Yogi Berra. ‘Twas a perfect conclusion to a memorable evening at the traditional town center.
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1. Richard Astrein (standing left) of Huntington Woods, George Miller of Birmingham, Margaret Matthes of Rochester, Rosanna Morris (seated left) of Royal Oak, Victor Saroki of Birmingham and Lois Shaevsky of Bloomfield. Not pictured, David Hohendorf of Birmingham. 2. Gerald & Margaret Matthes of Rochester. 3. Michelle (left), Victor and Adrianna Saroki of Birmingham. 4. Dom (left) & Erin DiMarco of Bloomfield, Ric Devore of Birmingham. 5. George Miller (left) of Birmingham, Dick Bradley of Bloomfield, Richard Kamp of Beverly Hills. 6. Pierre Boutrous (left) of Birmingham, Rosanna Morris of Royal Oak, Bill Seklar of Bloomfield. 7. Marion Wyatt and Margo Strickland of Bloomfield. 8. Kathy & Mark Rheaume of Birmingham. 9. Lori Rondello (left) of Beverly Hills, Luanne & Joe Campbell and Sue Seklar of Bloomfield.
Marian Mardi Gras Benefit
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Go Red Get Fit Premiere Party Some 150 women, including Susie Dubin, who has been on a heart transplant list for six years, and Beaumont cardiologist/Detroit Go Red chair Dr. Pam Markovitz, convened in Beaumont Royal Oak’s South Tower Lobby February 8 to rev up for the upcoming American Heart Association luncheon. Heart disease survivor Sarah Witting also told her dramatic story. Others auditioned to tell their stories as national AHA spokeswomen. But it was the hula hoop and dance instructors who got people in a fitness mode.
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1. Eileen Sacca (left) and Cristina Recchia of Bloomfield and Tammy Eberhard of Oakland. 2. Elaina Ryder (left) of Birmingham and Patty Phillips of Royal Oak. 3. Kathy Petoskey (left) and Kristen Biglin of Bloomfield, Janie DePorre of Troy. 4. Mike Burns (left) of Farmington and Tony Montalbano of Bloomfield. 5. Tara Nodland ( left) and Maria Glod of Bloomfield and Alyson Brown of Birmingham. 6. Donna (left) & Rusty Brown and Todd & Lisa Halsted of Bloomfield.
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Marian Mardi Gras Benefit Eileen Sacca, Cristina Recchia and Tammy Eberhard chaired the large, dedicated Marian Benefit Evening committee. Some of the 300 guests ($100, $125, $300 tickets) began it at Mass in the school chapel before strolling to the school gym to party amidst the silent auction ($27,500) display. It included original art by Marian alums. Kathy Carroll, Julie Ryckman and Kathleen McInerney. Jennifer Margherio and Patty Sharkey’s outstanding coordination, respectively, of the Mardi Gras theme décor and sustenance made the evening exceptional. Although dining was self-serve, Sweetest Gourmet caterers had stations enough that lines were practically non-existent and guests could choose between standard or tall tables for camaraderie. Emcee Dan Sharkey kept the ball rolling for auctioneer Jim Bickley and they persuaded John Woch and Bob Recchia to double their generosity when interest in their donations was high. This brought the live auction take to $38,500. Pledging for scholarship assistance and class equipment added another $15,700. Lucky raffle ($19,500) winners included Dave Petoskey and Rusty Brown, and lively music by Good Gravy kept the good times rolling. The annual event will net an estimated $125,000 plus lots of school spirit.
Lighthouse PATH 25th Anniversary Twenty-five years ago Lighthouse of Oakland County launched its program for homeless women and their children and 150 supporters ($100 and up ticket) gathered at the Birmingham Community House to celebrate the milestone. Included in the crowd were Noreen Keating, who was Lighthouse CEO at the time, and Larry Goss, who was a member of the Burton Katzman crew. It renovated what has become home to more than 16,000 individuals during the past 25 years. Although PATH is the acronym for Pontiac Area Transitional Housing, it could also mean the road to independence as detailed by former client Jennifer Hughes. “(When we were at PATH), my kids did not know they were homeless,” she said, describing how they enjoyed selecting toys and clothes from the donation room. Junior League of Birmingham was an early PATH supporter and many sustaining members were in the crowd that bought raffle tickets ($5,000) and pledged $13,000 in dedicated giving. Retro party accents included a buffet carving station flanked by an ice sculpture and a
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Sanders crème puff hot fudge dessert. The celebration raised $55,000. BEF Unabashed Bash The popular annual fundraiser for the Birmingham Education Foundation innovative school programs attracted 240 ($150 ticket) to the Townsend for conversation, cocktails and a seated dinner. Before dinner the Seaholm String Chamber ensemble and the Groves Jazz band made music. After dinner, Groves seniors Charlotte Beggs and Jadyn Broomfield and the Groves Show Choir got rousing ovations – the seniors for their description of the enriching opportunities BEF had provided and the singers for their vocal selections from “Ain’t Misbehavin.” Then auctioneer Beth Rose energetically conducted bidding for eight items ($23,000) before garnering another $21,300 (counting a matching gift) in outright donations for grants. Counting the silent auction ($19,110), an online auction ($10,340) and a raffle ($5,850), the 16th Unabashed BASH raised a record gross of $158,275. Faith in Action Dancing with the Stars Three hundred people ($75 ticket) gathered at the San Marino Club for snacks, spirits and to cheer on the 10 good sports and their partners who agreed to compete on the dance floor. The dancers were Corrin Barnett, Daniel Palmeri, John Lyman, Sandra Rellinger, Stephen Kramer, Hannah Saunders, Priya Mann, Donovan Khamoro, Dennis James and Jennifer Ann Wilson. There were judges, too: Alisa Zee, Craig Wolanin, Hon. Julie A. Nicholson and Frank Beckmann. When their votes were tallied, Daniel Palmeri had the Judges Trophy and Corrin Barnett had the Mirror Ball Trophy. Dennis James won the online People’s Choice award. The glam evening raised more than $20,000 for Faith in Action of Oakland County. The nonprofit is a partnership of community faith groups, human service agencies, local businesses and volunteers dedicated to delivering free services to help seniors stay in their homes. Sacred Heart 2017 Benefit More than 240 Academy of the Sacred Heart boosters gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club for the school’s 2017 benefit – Heart of Gold Gala. It honored the extraordinary commitment of Heart of Gold award recipients Tommy and Susie Betrus whose four children attended ASH. The event was chaired by Tom and Karen Hartle whose vision included music by Ben Sharkey and an after-party that lasted into the wee hours. In between a silent auction, splendid dinner and a live auction, attendeesa competed with conversation. Hartle and Mike Gerard did the auctioneering duties. They got $7,500 for an escape to Windsong Resort on Turks and Caicos and $5,000 for a carefully curated Napa Valley experience. Both items sold two times, doubling the take. The spirited, fun downtownpublications.com
Lighthouse PATH 25th Anniversary
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1. Bridget Stockton (left) of Milford, Linda Light of Rochester Hills. 2. Monica (left) & Matt Schwanitz of Bloomfield, Rick David of Pontiac. 3. Becky Sorensen (left) of Bloomfield, Larry & Kathy Goss of Orchard Lake. 4. Patty & C.J. Ghesquiere of Bloomfield. 5. Susan Foley (left) and Noelle Schiffer of Birmingham. 6. Linda & Harve Light of Rochester HiIlls. 7. Dick & Dawn Rassel of Bloomfield. 8. Hal Milton and Maryann Cromwell of Bloomfield. 9. Bob & Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield. 10. Ron & Gail Pope-Rashid of Bloomfield.
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BEF Unabashed Bash
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6 1. Dan Nerad (center) of Bloomfield, Pam Davis (left) of Bloomfield and Catherine Turnbull of Birmingham. 2. Geri & Gordon Rinschler of Birmingham. 3. Rachel Guinn (center) of Auburn Hills, Ben Dolan (left) and Matt Heller of Beverly Hills. 4. Patrick & Ann Liebler of Birmingham. 5. Dave Turnbull (left) and Eve & Wally Haley of Birmingham. 6. Adam (center) and Alicia Acey (left) of Franklin and Alifia Vohra of Birmingham. 7. Jason & Patty Monahan of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK evening netted nearly $230,000 for ASH, which was founded in Detroit in 1851and moved to Bloomfield Hills in 1958.
Sacred Heart 2017 Benefit
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1. Susie & Tommy Betrus of Bloomfield. 2. Karen & Tom Hartle of Birmingham. 3. Mary & Gary Straffon of Bloomfield. 4. Kristine Roth-Bowden (left) of Bloomfield, Agostino Visocchi of Rochester, Staci Zimmerman of Bloomfield, Sharon Myers of Birmingham. 5. Hans-Werner & Anke Kaas of Birmingham. 6. Kevin & Amy Nowlan of Bloomfield. 7. Maya Marsh & Ryan Marsh of Bloomfield. 8. Mike Gerard and Tom Hartle of Birmingham. 9. Matthew Kunz (left) of Birmingham, John Antakli of Pontiac. 10. Chad & Megan Martin of Bloomfield.
Winning Futures Corks & Forks
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1. Kris Marshall (left) of Troy, Matt & Tina Joseph of Lake Orion. 2. Stephanie & Randy Lett of Birmingham, Bob & Joan Bisciotti of Northville. 3. Jim & Marybeth Parks of Beverly Hills. 4. Kelly (left) & Mike Copeland of Macomb, Steve & Sheri Gordon of Royal Oak. 5. Aletha Jackson (left) of Southgate, James E. Lee of Southfield.
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Winning Futures Corks & Forks The 9th annual Corks & Forks attracted a sold out crowd (350) to The Townsend Hotel on Feb. 25 to support Winning Futures, a mentoring and scholarship program that has impacted over 30,000 youth since its founding in 1994. Nearly 150 VIP supporters arrived early to chat, peruse the silent auction display and sip the sterling wine selection provided by Woodberry Wines. One guest was WF 2016 Mentor of the Year James E. Lee, who is very impressed with the program. “I intend to be Mentor of Year again in three years,” he declared. The dinner program had highlights. CEO Kris Marshall’s description of WF founder, the late Sam Cupp’s life and vision; event chair Matt Joshua’s case for supporting the organization that has started a Keys to College program; alumnus Will Dunbar’s personal testimony of how WF significantly changed his life and still keeps him grounded and motivated today. The fun began when TV’s “Pawn Star” Les Gold conducted the live auction. He got bidders to part with $100,000. Thanks also to additional pledges, the evening raised a record profit of over $250,000. Bar Foundation Fellows Reception Oakland County Bar Foundation vice president Patrick McCarthy welcomed more than 220 of the 708 foundation Fellows to the annual cocktail reception staged in their honor at the Townsend Hotel. Although membership (nomination by a Fellow and a pledge of $1,000 or $5,000) is not limited to legal professionals, most are attorneys or judges who practice in Oakland County. The reception was quite cordial, like the foundation’s annual Signature Event. It raises money to support programs run by organizations like Lakeshore Legal Aid, HAVEN and RESTORE Foundation which supports the Oakland County drug courts. Impact 100 Happy Hour Several dozen philanthropic-savvy women gathered at The Bird & The Bread to talk about Impact 100 Oakland County. The idea is simple: 100 women each give $1,000 annually, and each has one vote resulting in a gift of $100,000 to an organization with a big idea but limited access to large funds. Some, like Mary Pat Rosen, Amy Loepp and Colleen Miller, had been in the inaugural group of 100 that launched the Oakland County chapter a year ago. That successful launch enabled them to donate $100,000 in 2016. (Variety’s weekend food program won the women’s vote.) But collective giving is so powerful that the Oakland County chapter wants 200 members by March 31 so it can make two grants this year. “If we had 500 members we could make a grant in each of 04.17
the five grant areas (arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family, health and wellness),” Loepp noted wistfully. The group is on the road to the second 100. NATAS Award Luncheon The Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences gathered at the Townsend Hotel February 26 for lunch and to honor five, 25-year Silver Circle inductees and Henry Baskin, a 50-year Gold Circle inductee. Baskin, an attorney whose list of clients reads like a Who’s Who of the Detroit entertainment community, also had many on-air gigs over the decades. The most recent was his legal-themed program “Due Process” which ended a 32-year run last year. In his acceptance remarks, Baskin noted how much the non-profit community relies on television people for public service announcements and publicity. “The stations work together for the community...(this is) an industry that I love,” he concluded. Figure Skating in Detroit Launch As a youth development tool, figure skating offers fine idioms. At the invitation only cocktail event held March 1 in the CUBE at the Max & Marjorie Fisher Center, the Fishers’ granddaughter Alissandra Aronow, a former competitive skater, and her friend, Olympic Gold Medal winner Meryl Davis, focused on perseverance.“You have to pick yourself up each time you fall,” Davis noted. Dr. Geneva Williams, the director of the new non-profit Figure Skating in Detroit, lauded its leadership and academic goals for girls of color. “We are building a foundation on ice,” she told the 200 guests. Sharon Cohen, who founded Figure Skating in Harlem 20 years ago, explained why Detroit was chosen as the first city for expansion and brought a start-up gift for FSD of $150,000. Sondra Williams, an FSH alum now in college, described the power of the program. The launch celebration resulted in donations of more than $75,000 toward the $1.5-million goal. The plan is to have three introductory workshops, a summer day camp and a year-round after-school program called ICE — I Can Excel. It will serve 300 Detroit girls between 6 and 15 years of age the first year. DSO Classical Roots Celebration The 39th annual Classical Roots Celebration on March 3 was perfectly partnered with the Detroit Historical Society’s project inspired by the 50th anniversary of Detroit’s turbulent summer of 1967. The concert featured the world premiere of “Detroit 67 for Orchestra and Choir” by composer/trumpeter/multi-Emmy Award winner Terrance Blanchard. Both he and violinist Regina Carter were the event honorees. Carter’s virtuosity (“4 Sisters” – an ode to Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan) earned a standing ovation from the sold-out audience downtownpublications.com
Bar Foundation Fellows Reception
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2 1. Dan Quick (left) of Bloomfield, Patrick McCarthy and Lynn Sirich of Birmingham. 2. Hon. Wendy Potts (left), Tom Kienbaum & Liz Hardy of Birmingham. 3. Kerry Cahill (left) of Royal Oak, Sue Ellen Eisenberg of Bloomfield. 4. Jennifer Lord of W. Bloomfield, Lou Eble of Rochester Hills. 5. John Wright (left) of Grosse Pointe, Randy Wright of Birmingham.
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Impact 100 Happy Hour
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1. Amy Loepp (left) and Colleen Miller of Birmingham, Turesa Lewis of Southfield. 2. Blythe Moran (left) and Mary Pat Rosen of Bloomfield, Mindy Vanes of Birmingham. 3. Katherine DiClaudio (left) of Birmingham, Pamela Niekamp of Waterford. 4. Lira Liras (left) and Jessie Bell of Birmingham. 5. Shaina Allen (left), Sherry McCormick and Kim Martin of Birmingham.
Figure Skating in Detroit Launch
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1. Sharon Cohen (left) of NYC, Alissandra Aronow of Ann Arbor, her mother/event sponsor Dr. Marjorie Fisher of Birmingham. 2. Dr. Geneva Williams (left) of Detroit, David & Carrie Aronow of Bloomfield. 3. Liz Punsalan Swallow & Jerod Swallow of Birmingham. 4. Meryl Davis (left) of Birmingham, Jeremy Abbott of Royal Oak and Uka Sato of Troy. 5. Joti Polizoakis of Novi and Isabella Tobias of Birmingham. 6. Tanith Belbin White (left) & Charlie White of Ann Arbor, Charlie, Sr. and Jacqui White of Bloomfield. 7. Julie Fisher Cummings & Peter Cummings of Detroit and Palm Beach. 8. Chuck (left) & Sandra Jacobowitz of W. Bloomfield, Jerod Swallow of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK (2,000), 380 of whom had arrived early for a strolling dinner ($300, $500 tickets), fellowship and a video starring DSO African-American Fellow/bassoonist Alexander Davis staged in the CUBE. They were briefly addressed by sponsor JPMorgan Chase’s Ric Huttenlocker and sponsor DTE Foundation’s Faye Nelson. Event co-chairs Jason Tinsley and Theresa Peace Agboh delightedly announced the celebration proceeds as $300,000 and profusely thanked the sponsors. All were joined at a dessert and dancing afterglow ($75 ticket for under 40-year-olds) which prolonged the festivities.
DSO Classical Roots Celebration
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1. Margie Dunn (left) & Mark Davidoff of W. Bloomfield, Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham. 2. Carola (left) & Ric Huttenlocker of Clarkston, Guy Simons of Birmingham, Pat Demps of Oklahoma. 3. Keith Mobley (left) of Birmingham and Mable Jones of Detroit, Alex Davis of Detroit. 4. Teri Fenner (left) of Bloomfield, Priscilla Perkins of Troy. 5. Alexandra & Andrew Sherman of Bloomfield.
Heart Association Go Red for Women
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1. Dr. Pam Markovitz (left) of Ann Arbor, Mary Zatina of Detroit. 2. Sindhu Josby of Rochester. 3. Dr. Pam Markovitz (left) of Ann Arbor, Cis Kellman of Southfield. 4. Clarice Golden (left) of Brighton, Diane Aaron Calhoun of Northville. 5. Jackie Rhodes, Kim DeRocher, Ann Krueger, Christina Miller.
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Heart Association Go Red for Women “Know your numbers,” Dr. Pam Markovitz said to the 580 ($250 & up tickets) American Heart Association supporters gathered in the Rotunda at Somerset Collection North on March 3. The Beaumont cardiologist who chaired Go Red for Women was referring to the importance of vital signs like one’s blood pressure. “Best is 120 over 80,” she continued in her contagious, upbeat manner. The luncheon program also starred survivor Jennifer Kahn in person following a video of her heart attack survival. And style expert Jeannie Mai, who used her young, favorite uncle’s fatal heart attack to get her immigrant Vietnamese mother to start focusing on fitness. Emcees Deena Centofani and Sally Lou Loveman also did yeoman service getting guests to raise their paddles and pledge $38,500, counting Dr. Pam’s $15,000 match for heart research. Before lunch, guests had received mini beauty treatments at Macy’s and bid $27,000 in the silent auction. It included lots of great experiences plus some purses filled with goodies donated by AHA supporters. But even the guests who did not buy anything looked like “bag ladies” toting their take home bags stuffed with souvenirs. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the 15th annual Detroit Go Red for Women raised over $700,000. St. John Providence’s Dr. Joan Crawford and ITC Holdings Corp’s Linda Blair were also introduced as chairs of the 2018 Go Red for Women Detroit project. Benefit for Van Andel Institute Seventy guests ($150 ticket) convened March 9 at Neiman Marcus for the luncheon and fashion show sponsored by the Lighthouse Group to benefit the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids. During the pre-luncheon champagne reception, they socialized, perused designer apparel in the third floor salons and had make-up applications by stylists from Guerlain, Trish McEvoy and Le Métier de Beauté. After lunch, two passions were on display during the presentation before the fashion show. The first was Carol Van Andel’s for the cutting edge research, collaborations and education (cancer and Parkinson’s disease) that occurs at the institute founded 20 years ago by her in-laws. She concluded her description of the initiatives and the researchers with “...I don’t have a job, I have a dream.” The second was NM style adviser Ken Dewey’s fervor for fashion. He called the show a passion play in three acts which he named Take It to the Max, The Now of the New and The Games People Play. He also shared 04.17
notable quotes about fashion. Like iconic NYC jeweler Harry Winston’s “People will stare. Make it worth their while.” The audience applauded many of the looks. And anyone who did not take home what Dewey called the huge “Bribe Bag” hanging on each chair missed out on valuable gifts from the generous cosmetic houses.
Benefit for Van Andel Institute
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McCann Benefit for Kidney Foundation On World Kidney Day (March 9) more than 200 people accepted McCann Worldgroup Diversified Agencies Global President Bill Kolb’s invitation to “Eat, Drink & Be Giving” at his company’s newly-renovated Detroit headquarters in Birmingham. Two soaring pillars in the flowerbedecked lobby were wrapped in Kidney Foundation orange with the legend “Give a Piece of Yourself.” A splendid silent auction (that raised $21,000), a creative kidney display, food stations and bars were in the adjoining room. National Kidney Foundation Michigan COO Linda SmithWheelock marveled, “Even the bathrooms have kidney facts graphics.” Kolb’s charitable hospitality was motivated by his cochairmanship with Henry Ford Health System’s Wright Lassiter lll of the May 21 Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo. To fuel guests’ interest in participating, Melissa Leonard told the moving story of her husband’s life-giving gift of a kidney to his twin brother and 15-year-old Danny Zivian told of his future kidney transplant. “Is anybody here type O?” he asked. The good-natured teen has raised $85,000 for the National Kidney Foundation Michigan since he was 11. “My goal is to get to $100,000 by the time of my transplant,” he said. All funds raised will help the NKFM prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. This includes 900,000 Michiganers.
1. Carol Van Andel (left) of Ada, Reneé Janovsky of Grosse Pointe. 2. Janet Ankers (left) of Beverly Hills, Barbara Roden and Ken Dewey of Bloomfield. 3. Tara Grekin (left) of Bloomfield, Alicia Long of Waterford. 4. Marianna Keros (left) of Birmingham, Deb Clark of Grand Rapids. 5. Gordana Ferris (left) of Rochester Hills, Anne Widlak of Grosse Pointe, Diane Widlk of Bloomfield. 6. Ginny Zeff (left) of Bloomfield, Kim McFadden of Warren. 7. Tricia Lessway (left) of Bloomfield, Sue Pauli of Sterling Hgts., Mary Anne Lauwers of Shelby Twp.
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McCann Benefit for Kidney Foundation
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1. Bill Kolb (left) of Birmingham, NKFM’s Linda Smith-Wheelock of Canton, John Hiltz of Livonia. 2. Kris Shaffer (left) of Ann Arbor and Mel Smart, Karl Liang and Jill Cooley of Birmingham. 3. Nicole Dowswell (left) of Rochester and Kristin Dipple of Livonia. 4. Marcie Gerlach (left) of Plymouth, board member Josh Bryant of Birmingham, Frank Matyok of Royal Oak. 5. Dawn Deak (left) of Northville and Lori Sullivan of Plymouth. 6. Linda Sarbera (left) of Clifton, NJ, Lance Miller of Birmingham.
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100 Women Who Care of Greater Rochester At the most recent 100 Women Who Care of Greater Rochester meeting, 271 women spent one hour listening to three charity pitches before voting on which one each person found most compelling. When the votes were counted, the Catholic Community Response Team (CCRT) had the most. Because each voter wrote CCRT a check for $100, the social service organization received $27,100 to provide emergency resources for people in need in Pontiac. CCRT director Barbara Williams explained that CCRT’s most pressing concern is keeping people in their homes so they don’t end up on the street. The Women Who Care seeks to support local charities with very direct and basic needs. The group takes pride in its no-frills approach to direct giving. To date, they have raised more than $281,100 for such non-profits as New Day Foundation, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, Baldwin Center in Pontiac, Hands of Hope, SandCastles Grief Support, FaithWorks, Neighborhood House, God’s Helping Hands, Power Company Kids Club, Dutton Farm, Blessings in a Backpack and Turning Point. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. 53
ENDNOTE
Biosolid regulation critical for consumers he saying "one man's trash is another's treasure" may not better fit a situation than the biosolids recycling process, which is used to convert broken down sewage sludge into a useful type of fertilizer. However, the public, as well as state and federal regulators overseeing the process, should be mindful that despite advances in modern science, there still is no philosopher's stone remedy for converting garbage into gold. Referred to as biosolids, and commonly marketed as "organic fertilizer" under branded names like Milorganite, which has been available to the general public for decades, biosolids fertilizers are made from sludge formed during the wastewater treatment process. In other words, human waste and all the other sewage taken out of water at wastewater treatment plants. While the ability to recycle those sludges has been known for many years, the practice of applying treated biosolids to thousands of acres of farmland in Michigan is a more recent trend. And, although there is value to farmers and wastewater treatment plants in recycling biosolids, we believe additional research and controls are needed at the state and federal level before turning a blind eye to the potential dangers such material poses to human health and the environment. In Michigan, about 85,000 tons of biosolids fertilizer is applied to some 18,000 acres of farmland, with about 32,000 tons of that used for growing crops for human food consumption. Most, if not all, of the biosolids used on crops for human consumption comes from the Great
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Lakes Water Authority's (formerly the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department) wastewater treatment facility on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. The remaining biosolids generated in Michigan aren't considered safe enough to be used for growing crops that people will eat. While federal law restricts lower grade biosolids from being used for people, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's Biosolids Program, which is responsible for enforcing the federal regulations, has just five full-time employees working to monitor biosolids applicators. A 2003 audit of the program found operational deficiencies in it. Further, the case in the early 2000s of potentially tainted pickles that were grown with biosolids unapproved for such uses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; discovered by the DEQ only after being alerted by a neighbor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; illustrates that additional resources are needed to ensure regulations are being followed. Contaminants that may be found in biosolids range from cancer-causing PCBs, and PAHs, heavy metals, pharmaceutical products and other chemicals. Regulations provide that measures are taken to destroy disease-causing pathogens, as well as about a dozen other contaminants. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by its own admission, has said it is in the process of evaluating more than 135 potential contaminants in biosolids. The impact on human health of eating food grown in biosolids, whether within federal regulations or not, is relatively unknown. While some research has been done on the matter, there seems to be no conclusive findings on the
longterm impact of foods grown with biosolids. Because of the degree of uncertainty, we believe consumers should have the ability to know whether food they are purchasing was produced with the use of biosolids. However, that ability is mostly non-existent, outside of foods labeled as "certified organic," which prohibits the use of biosolids in their production. At least one retailer, Whole Foods, has taken efforts to provide their customers with additional knowledge about produce with its "Responsibly Grown" rating system that prohibits the use of biosolids on land within three years prior to harvest. We feel it is imperative for all foods grown using biosolids to include additional label information, similar to labeling for genetically modified foods (GMOs). Lastly, we believe additional oversight may be needed to protect the environment where biosolids are applied. Fertilizers, in general, have been fingered as a contributor to toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie, as well as a potential contaminant to groundwater. Additional steps are warranted to ensure biosolids applied to fields remain on those fields, rather than finding their way into local waterways. Overall, much of the recent focus on sewage sludge has been to improve its perception by the public. Referring to it as "biosolids," or branding efforts to present it in a more favorable light may improve the image to some degree, but at some point, it's the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. Instead, those in the industry should provide meaningful steps to provide the public and environment protection.
Covering special event costs a necessity he old cliche that you have to spend money to make money was never truer than in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s non-profit world, where the cost of doing business continues to increase, all in an effort to raise money to help others. In most municipalities, groups and organizations holding special events, whether forprofit or not, must provide reimbursement for services provided by police, fire and public works departments that are needed to support their events. Likewise, use of city parks or other property often comes with a price tag. Until recently, the generous folks in Rochester, by way of taxes, allowed the city to foot much of the bill for special events held by non-profits in the community. However, an amendment to the city's special event ordinance, which passed on Monday, March 27, will increase the cost of doing business in the city for non-profit organizations. While there's no doubt special events held by the city and non-profit organizations help businesses in the community and add value to a community, the cost to the city to support those
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events can be a burden. A significant one, if you judge from what it costs Rochester. From 2013 through 2015, the city estimates it spent about $178,633 to support the special events in the community. The city's police chief told city council members back in December that about $8,500 in city services are spent just to support the annual Christmas parade; $18,500 is spent annually for Arts and Apples. Currently, the ordinance requires non-profits to reimburse the city for 10 percent of its special event costs, after the first $1,000 the city incurs. Under the amended ordinance, non-profits will be required to reimburse the city for 75 percent of costs, after the first $100. Such a policy isn't out of line with those in many neighboring communities, and is an appropriate change as the city grapples with financial restraints that force tough budget decisions for other needs in the city. We also feel the implementation date of when the amended ordinance goes into effect is appropriate, which is not until January 1, 2018.
The delayed implementation allows non-profits holding special events to conduct business as usual through the end of this year, while still allowing adequate time to consider any changes they may need to undertake to meet their increased costs, including acquiring new sponsorship deals to help augment costs. We understand the challenge some non-profits will face to conduct major event in the city, with increases of as much as $12,000 or more to the Paint Creek Center of the Arts, and $8,000 for the Greater Rochester Regional Chamber. However, we believe the value of the events to the community will enable those organizations and others to work to offset the additional costs, and continue to benefit from the events. We also support city council's decision to enact the fees across the board, and not pick and choose events in which to support and those in which they won't. While such increases aren't always popular, and can be difficult to make, ultimately special events benefit the community as a whole.
Lynn Baker, Associate Broker Deby Gannes, REALTOR® 248.379.3000 LBaker@HallandHunter.com 248.379.3003 DGannes@HallandHunter.com
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Estate home in Bridge Valley sub on almost 2 acres Better than new in great Century Oaks sub! Oversized Gorgeous manor home with 270° views of Westwynd golf of perennial gardens with views of a serene pond. kitchen and nook overlooking family room. Possible 6th course from patios & decks with custom-built pergolas. bedroom/bonus room on 2nd floor. Ready-to-finish LL. Expansive chef's kitchen. 1st floor master & walkout LL. European flair. 1st floor master. Walkout LL. 3-car garage. 5,671 SF | 4 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217017023 4,886 SF | 6 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217015044 7,736 Total SF | 5 BR | 5.3 Baths | MLS# 217019924
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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 4675 Goodison Place | $769,900
CLARKSTON 5661 Golf Pointe | $432,900
Updated & upgraded home in Goodison Place sub (close Quick occupancy! Every upgrade you could imagine, to Paint Creek) with walking trails & sidewalks. Gourmet including eat-in kitchen with 42” cherry cabinets. 2-story kitchen & spacious master suite. Finished walkout LL. great room. Oversized 3-car garage. Clarkston schools. 6,717 Total SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217005546
3,459 SF | 4 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217022349
Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009