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R O C H E S T E R
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AUGUST 2018
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TREED YARD & DESIRABLE LOCATION
ROCHESTER, $529,900. 5 bdrms., 4 full & two 1/2 baths, 3570 sq. ft. Updated kit. w/granite & 2-way fireplace to fam. rm. Updated baths. Library. Freshly painted. New roof. Expansive deck & patio. Spacious fin. w/o bsmt. 3 car garage & backs to treed subdivision commons. Community pool & tennis. Best lot in sub!
ROCHESTER HILLS, $424,900. 4 bdrms., 2.5 baths, 2800 sq. ft. & loaded with updates. Metal roof & all mechanicals updated. Pella windows t/o. Kit. updated w/granite & stainless appls. All baths updated inc. new master bath w/dual sinks & granite counters. Two-way fireplace btwn. lib. & fam. rm. Awesome screened porch & yard. Fin. bsmt. with additional bath.
ROCHESTER HILLS, $279,900. 4 bdrms., 2.5 baths, 2500 sq. ft. Great value and space in convenient location near freeways, schools and all conveniences. Spacious mud room with separate door to yard. First floor laundry and side entry garage. Fam. rm. with fireplace & planked hdwd. flooring. Spacious bdrms. Newer stamped concrete walkway and patio.Â
RANCH WITH AWESOME VIEWS
MULTI-FAMILY IN PRIME LOCATION
CONDO FOR LEASE
ROCHESTER HILLS, $189,900. 2 bdrms., 2 baths, 1600 sq. ft. Underground parking & one car garage. Open floor plan with great rm. & dining overlooking commons. Elevated view of setting. Gas fireplace. All appliances included. Laundry in unit. Master suite with walk-in closet, dual sinks, jetted tub & shower. Desirable location.
LAKE ORION, $327,500. Heart of downtown Lake Orion and walking distance to the lake. 4 units fully rented & never any vacancies. Two one-bdrm. units; Two 2-bdrm. units. Mechanically updated & mtn. free exteriors. Instant cash flow & long-term returns. Totally desirable location.
ROCHESTER HILLS, $1250/MO. 2 bdrms., 2 baths, 1100 sq. ft. Great rm. open to kitchen with all appls. Dining rm. leading to balcony overlooking beautiful treed commons. Spacious bdrms. Laundry in unit. Assoc. inc. in mo. rent. Extensive parking and carport. Convenient location.
COMMERICAL OFFICE OPPORTUNITIES
It’s Still a Great Real Estate Market! Many Buyers are Still Looking for that Perfect Home. Some Buyers want to buy before school starts.
HARRISON TWP., $799,900. 5000 sq. ft., built in 2001. Currently used as medical but flexible for any business usage. 5 offices, 4 exam rms. w/sinks, lunch rm., 25x23 lobby. 1140 additional sq. ft. loft for extra space or separate business. Bsmt. & excellent parking.
ROCHESTER $449,900. Approx. 1500 sq. ft. with 5 private offices. Spacious reception area with vaulted ceiling. 2 baths, updated kitchen, updated mechanicals. Front and rear parking lots with 11 parking spaces.
From first time buyers, to move up buyers, to empty nesters all the way to senior citizens. IT WOULD BE OUR PLEASURE TO SERVICE YOU!
CALL COREY & CREW AT 248-601-1000
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DOWNTOWN08.18
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The role of demographics in elections Politicians have long attempted to tap into ethic communities and religious groups to mine for votes at election time, and although the methodology may have changed, these still can be promising voting blocks for candidates.
LONGFORM
18
The state of Michigan has been under the gun due to problems with its foster care system, the topic of past negative audits, as well as a lawsuit that was designed to force officials to address the issues.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
10
The feared Orwellian shift of life in America extends beyond just the authoritarian threats from the current national administration and includes the invasion of our privacy thanks to high tech developments.
CRIME LOCATOR
13
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Rochester and Rochester Hills, presented in map format.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
15
Michael Webber House Floor leadership rumors; a TSL spot for Michigan AG Bill Schuette; update on the race for campaign funding; added challenge for Mike Bishop; plus more.
MUNICIPAL
34
Rochester fire study update; Blossom Mills retirement development okayed; school board election filings; seven-year Rochester Hills forecast; liquor license transfer for RH House; plus more.
THE COVER The largest Bebb Oak in the country at Livernois and Auburn roads in Rochester Hills. Estimate to be 200-350 years old, the tree measures 220 inches around. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 77- - 99 ,, 2018 2018
3 DAYS OF ART, FOOD, FAMILY & FUN
280 JURIED FINE ART EXHIBITORS HELD IN ROCHESTER
FESTIVAL HOURS: FRIDAY: 4:00PM-7:30PM SATURDAY: 9:00AM-7:30PM SUNDAY: 9:00AM-4:00PM
#ARTANDAPPLES
* Free shuttle service from Rochester High School (RHS) to the Festival available on Saturday and Sunday *Parking is available for a fee at the parking deck
24
Jonathon Gruden
METRO INTELLIGENCER
42
Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us bring back the popular feature – now called Metro Intelligencer – that provides quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.
SOCIAL LIGHTS
44
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
50
Why radon testing in schools should be required, not just recommended; plus we provide a Pocket Voter Guide to take to the polls.
FACES
16 24 39
Bram Ligon Jonathon Gruden Joe Santoni
No Home Too Large, No Home Too Small We do sell them all! Call the real estate team of
Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes (248) 379-3000 | (248) 379-3003 LynnAndDeby.com 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009
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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP
SHELBY TOWNSHIP
00 E. Davison Lake Road | $1,499,900
555 Parkland Hills Drive | $789,000
53357 Pondview Drive | $874,000
173 acres for hunting, fishing & horses. Build your dream home with incredible privacy. 60' deep, 5-acre lake stocked with fish.
One-of-a-kind home with definite “wow factor.” Large 1 floor master suite. Walkout LL has amazing bath. Spectacular deck and yard.
Airy, open home with awe-inspiring deck & yard with in-ground pool & pond. Walkout LL with theatre room & more. 4-car garage.
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5769 Stonehaven Boulevard | $699,900
5249 Orchard Ridge | $1,750,000
Elegant Georgian Colonial estate on 2.41 acres in luxurious gated community. Finished lower level. Garage space for 6-7 cars.
Wooded retreat on the best lot in sought-after Wellington sub. Private, manicured .76 acres. Amazing walkout lower level.
Magnificent hilltop estate on 1.44 acres in the most prestigious gated community. Too many luxurious amenities to list!
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7410 Oakstone Drive | $459,900
3960 Oak Pointe Court | $999,999
53 W. Buell Road | $639,900
Pristine home on wooded lot backing to private land in desirable Wyngate sub. Finished walkout lower level. 3+ car garage.
Tringali-designed 6000 SF home on gated, 1.2 acre wooded site Walkout LL. Kitchen opens to great room. Oversized master suite.
Expansive 3.85 acre retreat complete with sophisticated upgrades and extraordinary yard. 1st floor in-law suite. Finished lower level.
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ROCHESTER HILLS
1540 Mill Race | $1,299,000 Magnificent estate on 3.56 acres backing to Stony Creek. Renovated with reclaimed fragments of historical estates.
AUBURN HILLS
STERLING HEIGHTS
4423 N. Castlewood Court | $474,900
3877 Corkwood Drive | $539,900
Beautifully updated home has eat-in kitchen with fireplace. Spacious master suite. Finished walkout LL with 5th bedroom. Rochester schools.
Exceptional upgraded new construction in enclave of 17 homes. Vacant lot in sub also available for $159,900.
PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Bill Seklar | Judith Harris Solomon | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski 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
FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS
FROM THE PUBLISHER “The invention of print, however, made it easier to manipulate public opinion, and the film and the radio carried the process further. With the development of television, and the technical advance which made it possible to receive and transmit simultaneously on the same instrument, private life came to an end. Every citizen, or at least every citizen important enough to be worth watching, could be kept for twenty-four hours a day under the eyes of the police and in the sound of official propaganda, with all other channels of communication closed. The possibility of enforcing not only complete obedience to the will of the State, but complete uniformity of opinion on all subjects, now existed for the first time.” – 1984, George Orwell Much has been written in the last couple of years about the threat of a gradual shift this country is making towards a possible totalitarian state coming off the vitriolic presidential campaign leading into the 2016 election and the current administration in our nation’s capital. That frightening prospect is not the main topic of this month’s musings, but it does serve as a jumping off point about something equally disconcerting that is taking place in America and on a worldwide basis. Just to set the stage, I recently dusted off an old copy of the 1949 George Orwell dystopian novel, 1984, which foretold of a society marked by neverending war and governed by a structure that included official deception, manipulation of recorded history by the authoritarian state, a dumbing down of the official language to be replaced by an alternate language called “Newspeak” – complete thoughts reduced to the simplest of terms in hopes of limiting creative thinking – and “doublethink” which involved a calculated effort by the ruling class “telling carefully constructed lies.” All of this had one goal – to retain the caste system where a minority of the wealthy class controlled everything in society. The Orwellian prediction would only be complete if the government class had a means to continually monitor the middle class and those in the wealthy class. In his totalitarian state, not much attention was paid to the life of the “Proles,” as they were known, or lower class working people, because they lacked the education and the creative drive to change the world order painted so bleakly in 1984. But the ruling minority group knew that they had to control the thinking class, which they did with use of technology like Telescreens, or two-way television, and Thought Police. Step out of line and you would be eliminated. It was that simple. What may have seemed far-fetched when 1984 was first published has now made its way into our daily lives. I got my first inkling of this a few Christmas holidays in the past while talking with my sons about possible gift items for a family member. Within a matter of hours, the three of us began receiving targeted online advertising about items we had just discussed in our home. Yes, I know that urban legend has held for years that those controlling the bulk of internet traffic had the ability to monitor and commit to the mega data base of our private conversations. All of us, myself included, dismissed such talk as just that – conjecture. And anyone who truly believed activities in their domicile were being recorded had to be part of the tinfoil hat set. Of course, the couple of leading digital communication companies have denied monitoring our private lives beyond our history on the internet.
So it came as no surprise in the last month that one of those firms – Facebook – actually filed for patent protection for a software program that allows it to monitor “ambient sounds” – conversations and sounds within your home for purposes of tracking what items and topics are of interest to you. It’s like Shazam for your home, although it monitors sounds 24/7. We were given a preview of this personal privacy invasion as early as 2006, when the FBI was allowed to remotely turn on the microphone in a criminal’s cellphone to monitor conversations. At the same time, we are learning of recent major advances now being made in facial recognition software, an advanced version of what some countries, like China, use to continually monitor crowds. Surprisingly, one of the tech industry’s leading chieftains, Microsoft President Brad Smith, has just recently started the necessary public conversation on the possible abuses of facial recognition software and has called for government regulation of this developing field. Smith has suggested, as a starting point, a bi-partisan commission be appointed and tasked with developing rules before facial recognition gets an unbridled foothold in society. Smith has said that law enforcement regulations must be developed to restrict use of facial recognition. Further, he wants public notification of the use of facial recognition when it comes to gatherings in public spaces. I remember several years ago conversing with a member of the law enforcement community over concerns about tracking of members of the public and was reminded that the biggest violators of our privacy were the retailers and internet firms who were quickly developing tracking methodologies that would allow others to amass historical data on where we went on the internet, what we viewed, etc. This law enforcement officer expressed dismay that the public was not complaining about this oversight by those who controlled the digital highways who were free to sell that information to others. I did not think much of the argument then, but my perspective has changed dramatically in the last few years. We have disconnected the Amazon Alexa device in our home. Disallow tracking, whenever possible, when searching for things on the web, be it through a laptop, iPad or cellphone. I have resisted joining the lemming march toward two-way tv technology. I attempted about a year ago to discontinue my seldom-used personal Facebook account, only to be notified by Facebook that I had to maintain it if I wanted to continue with the separate account for the publishing group, but I may well pull the plug on that also. And I am watching with interest how the European Union is getting tough with the hi tech giants when it comes to invasion of privacy and the gathering information about our personal habits without our permission, hoping that someone picks up the gauntlet in our country to safeguard our personal information here. What was considered fantastical decades ago is the new reality. 1984 has arrived. We must elevate the conversation on this issue before it is too late. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com
Scott Falconer | 586.243.2555 AVP | Mortgage Loan Officer
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DOWNTOWN
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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 July 26, 2018. Placement of codes is approximate.
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DOWNTOWN
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com. RAISING THE ROOF: Fundraising is going through the roof for Michigan’s 8th, 9th and 11th Congressional Districts, where numerous candidates have already raised more than 2016 candidates did for that entire election cycle. Campaign finance reports for the latest quarter showed 11th District candidates, which winds its way from Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, part of Rochester Hills, into the west Oakland lakes area and parts of western Wayne County, raised a total of $6.3 million through June 30, more than any other district in the state. There are 10 candidates running in the 11th – five Democrats and five Republicans. Those in the 8th District, which covers Rochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland County, Livingston County, then over to Ingham County and Lansing, tallied the second highest, with $5.1 million; and those in the 9th District came in 5th place, with $2.1 million raised. The 9th District includes Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Warren, and southern Macomb County. SHOW ME THE MONEY (DEMOCRATS): A breakdown of the most recent fundraising; (total fundraising for the cycle) are provided below, along with the [amount of cash on hand] each candidate had as of June 30, indicating the rate at which each is burning through their funds. 11th District: Suneel Gupta: $406,981, including a $150,000 loan; ($1,341,492), [$799,563]; Tim Greimel: LIPTON $261,542, ($815,322), [$456,379]; Haley Stevens: $166,188, ($1,008,725), [$340,212]; and Fayrouz Saad $120,781, ($636,043),[$313,670]. Nancy Skinner did not report. 9th District: Ellen Lipton: $540,829, ($1,041,931), [$625,474]; Andy Levin: $353,098, ($864,025), [$430,747]; and Martin Brook: $8,291, ($32,059), [$17,207]. 8th District: LEVIN Elissa Slotkin, $1,151,612, ($2,858,182), [$2,248,276]; Christopher Smith, $46,072, ($123,257), [$42,139]. SHOW ME THE MONEY (REPUBLICANS): A breakdown of the most recent fundraising, (total fundraising for the cycle) are provided below, along with the [amount of cash on hand] each candidate had as of June 30, indicating the rate at which each is burning through their funds. 11th District: Klint Kesto: $166,440, ($428,556), [$19,863]; Lena Epstein: $142,973, ($1,629,009), KOWALL [$658,338]; Mike Kowall: $114,284, ($272,353), [$137,695]; Rocky Raczkowski: $23,855 including a $10,000 loan, ($218,175), [$144,556]; Kerry Bentivolio: $8,533, ($33,448), [$3,325]. 9th District: Candius Stearns: $80,867, ($108,610), [$72,748]. 8th District: Mike Bishop: $588,759, RACZKOWSKI ($2,150,441),[$1,687,943]. Lokesh Kumar did not report. FLOORED: Election season is still upon us, but that hasn’t stopped current House Republican leaders from speculating on their potential spots in the 2019 session, which is all hypothetical, because first they have to win and keep the House from flipping to the Dems. Speaker Pro Tem Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) allegedly had sewn the speaker position spot up by last Thanksgiving, and he’s continuing to fundraise like a crazy person, so he’s not facing any challenges if Republicans maintain their majority. Homeboy Michael Webber (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills) of the 45th District is one of two state reps that are up for Floor Leader, which is the second highest leadership position of the majority party, and word is he wants it. He’ll have to tango with Tristan Cole (R-Mancelona) to get to the big dance, with Chatfield and the Republican caucus hitting them up for more and more money. “If you don’t have a challenging election, it’s downtownpublications.com
one thing. But if you give all your money away, who’s going to help you?” asked one former state representative. “I’ve never seen anything like that happen before.” SHIFTING OUTLOOK: The reliably Republican 8th Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman Mike Bishop (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills), may not be so reliable much longer. The Cook Political Report, a non-partisan elections forecaster, has slowly shifted its prognostication from “strongly Republican” to “leaning Republican” to, as of mid-July, a “toss up.” Presumed Democratic challenger Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) has not only consistently beaten Bishop in fundraising quarter after quarter, but Cook’s cited Slotkin’s “public service and strength of her campaign.” Slotkin picked up former U.S. Senator Carl Levin’s endorsement, noting her national security expertise. “Bishop supposedly is in the race of his life – and he does realize it,” said a former state Senator, noting Bishop is still smarting from his loss to Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper in 2012. Cook’s noted Bishop didn’t have a well-funded opponent in 2014 or 2016. Welcome to 2018, Congressman. HOUSE HUNTING: Oil heiress and Congressional 11th District Republican hopeful Lena Epstein isn’t the only one running in one district while living in another (Epstein lives in Bloomfield Township, which is in the 9th Congressional District). Two other MI-11 candidates, Democrat Nancy Skinner and Libertarian Leonard Schwartz live outside the district, which as we noted last month with Epstein, is permitted under the U.S. Constitution. Schwartz lives in the 14th, in Oak Park, while Skinner is currently in the 9th, in her parents’ condo in Bloomfield Hills. She told MIRS (Michigan Information & Research Service) she had moved in to care for her dying father, and was planning to sell the condo, after which she was planning to move to the 11th. VET FOR VETS: Stalwart Republican heads are shaking throughout the state 40th District – Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and the western part of West Bloomfield – as it appears one of their own may have given some bucks to Democratic candidates in the past. Dirt dug up on Joe Zane, one of six bashing it out to run to replace fellow GOP and termlimited Rep. Mike McCready, shows that he gave over $1,000 to Democratic causes since 2007-2008 – including in 2017, ZANE when he gave $125 to four different Democrats running in races around the country. Zane, a former Marine, said he believes in supporting veterans – regardless of party, although at this time, “I am a conservative and will legislate that way. However, having veterans on both sides of the aisle helps the legislature come together to perform the basic functions of governance, which is critical to the future of our democracy.” As for his most recent contributions across the aisle, he said, “My perspective was that it was more important to have a veteran win a Democratic primary than a non-veteran.” TSL: Michigan Republican Attorney General and gubernatorial hopeful Bill Schuette makes the list this month for jumping on the bandwagon to file a legal brief with the Michigan Supreme Court in hopes of helping overturn a lower court decision that is allowing a gerrymandering proposal to appear on the November ballot. The citizen initiative by Voters Not Politicians is being contested by a group calling itself Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution (basically a front for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce). If approved by voters, the ballot issue would turn over to a special commission the task every 10 years of drawing new political districts rather than the current system of letting the party in power set district boundaries, which really becomes a self SCHUETTE preservation exercise for the majority party. As we went to press, Schuette was being given five minutes to argue before the Supremes that a revision of this nature should be up to a constitutional convention and not voters at the polls this fall. Not the first time Schuette was on the wrong side of an issue.
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FACES Bram Ligon ram Ligon and his fellow teammates knew they had created a good product when they submitted the Cube XL to this year’s SourceAmerica Design Challenge. They sure didn’t think they would walk away as a top prize winner though. “We just submitted saying we’ll see what happens with it,” Ligon said. “We were really happy to just be able to showcase a wonderful product.” The team from Lawrence Technological University won the college division of the challenge, which is for those who create workplace solutions that improve the jobs and lives of people with disabilities. Ligon, who went to Rochester Adams High School, was in a class called Entrepreneurial Engineering Design Studio last fall when he first heard about it. The course was structured around developing a product specifically for what could be submitted to the competition, even though submitting something was completely optional. “More importantly, the class taught valuable engineering skills that were immeasurable to any textbook work you could do,” he said. This class also let them see their products being used in the real world. In the Cube XL’s case, at Services to Enhance Potential (STEP) in Dearborn. In layman’s terms, what the employees at STEP do is assemble struts, which are the little u-shaped clamps that get attached to the ceiling that hold pipes. While doing their research the team – which they called LABB (a combination of the member’s initials) – discovered that the people assembling them were having some difficulty doing just that. “If you have low dexterity impairment in your hands or only use of one hand, the process of trying to hold the whole piece together…You really need both hands to do this operation,” Ligon said. The team hoped to develop a product that would make that process easier and less painful for employees. Enter the Cube XL, which is a little platform that holds the bolt in place and allows the user to assemble piece by piece with only one hand. Everything is held stationary on their work stations by magnets, and employees simply add the parts on to it before twisting the final nut of it. It's already set to the specifications and height of the nut being put in the bolt. Then they put it in a box and are done. For Ligon, who is studying mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics and a concentration in alternative energy systems, being able to be a part of something that would impact the lives of others was his greatest motivation for entering the challenge. “When you go to engineering school...the main focus of engineering is not all the business aspects of it,” Ligon said. “It’s really designing something that is going to work in a simple and not painful way.” The Lawerence Tech junior has always loved the idea of developing things, even as a kid. Ligon plans on getting his master’s degree after graduating from Lawerence Tech, with a focus on wind power and solar energy. He hopes to work in research and application of alternative energy systems in firstworld and third-world countries that need developing grids for electricity to get to people. Much like his future plans, the SourceAmerica Design Challenge allowed Ligon to put some good in the world, and help those who truly need it. “The idea of being able to develop something that helps people and being able to really see the effects of this impacting their lives and making it easier…was quite awesome,” he said.
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Story: Dana Casadei
Photo: Laurie Tennent
FOSTER CARE REFORMING MICHIGAN'S PROGRAM WHICH HAS BEEN PROBLEM-RIDDEN BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
he case of seven-year-old Ricky Holland in Michigan gained national attention in 2005 when the boy's adoptive parents claimed he went missing from their Williamston home, near Lansing. The community spent months looking for Ricky, even landing the effort on an episode of "America's Most Wanted." In the end, it was his adoptive parents, Tim and Lisa Holland, who murdered Ricky, with the woman who was supposed to be his mother hitting him with a hammer and his adoptive father, Tim Holland, hiding the child's body in a swamp. Making matters worse, state records showed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) had been alerted to ongoing abuse that Ricky had been suffering, but failed to take any action. "Beginning at age three, Ricky endured five years of terror at the hands of foster parents who were approved by MDHHS, first as foster care providers and then as adoptive parents. He was denied food, tied to his bed, led around on a leash, locked in a basement, beaten with a hammer and ultimately killed by his adoptive mother," Cathy R. Crabtree wrote in a 2008 review of MDHHS management. "Even though an allegation of abuse was called into MDHHS, Ricky's MDHHS caseworker 'never spoke with Ricky's therapist.' The caseworker had other cases and didn't have time. He later said he was getting four or five new cases a week and his ongoing caseload stood at more than 20. Had the worker met the therapist, he would have learned 'Ricky was opening up more.'.., talking about "Mr. Bloody Bones" who locked him in the basement for a time out. Then he told the therapist in a February 28 session that he was no longer being tied to the bed, saying, 'mom and I promised I will stay in bed and she won't tie me to it.'
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"Ricky was beaten to death by his adoptive mother when he was eight-years-old. His adoptive father threw Ricky's body in a pond. MDHHS failed this child by overlooking the severe and continued abuse that was right in front of them." Foster care systems are intended to remove children from abusive or neglectful homes until issues with birth parents can be addressed or those parents' rights are severed and an adoptive family can be located to raise the child in a stable and loving home. However, stories of reunification or placement of a child who was a victim of such circumstances are often overshadowed by heartbreaking stories of children being shuffled around from situations that go from bad to worse. Such tragic stories can lead adults both inside and outside of the foster care system to give up all together. In Michigan, Ricky's Holland's death and those of others before him were just one of the factors that led to a class action lawsuit against Michigan's DHHS and federal oversight of the state's foster care system, starting in 2008. While federal monitors say the state has made great improvements in the foster care system, issues remain. Further, some worry that the opioid crisis that is gripping the nation and the state may lead to more children entering the foster care system, which is still struggling to meet goals set out as a result of the court case. "I think there are always going to be issues. I don't think this is a system that will ever be totally fixed because we are dealing with humans," said Judy Wollack, president of the Association of Accredited Child and Family Agencies, which advocates at the state level for the needs of abused and neglected children. "As a side note, the opioid crisis is going to affect us greatly. We are already seeing more children coming in. If a child comes in for abuse, you can send a parent to therapy and training, and that may work. But opioid addiction isn't easily fixed." In Michigan, reforms in the foster care system have helped to reduce the number of children in foster care by reuniting them with their parents or by increasing the number of adoptions. For instance, from 2005 to 2016, the number of children in foster care in Michigan dropped from about 20,000 to just more than 11,000 in 2016, with reductions each year. However, that number is slowly increasing, with about 13,000 children currently in the foster care system. "My people are telling me we are seeing more children (from parents with opioid issues), especially younger children," Wollack said. "So that again, do we really want them caring for those children? We may need to think about how we have to deal with this opioid crisis. There are mandates on how long children can be in foster care, but if you have a drug addicted parent, then you don't want to send a child home. Then you need more addiction therapy." Adding to the challenge is the high turnover rate of caseworkers and supervisors in the child welfare system. She said providing appropriate funding is key to addressing those challenges. Children usually enter foster care because of Children Protective Services (CPS)
investigations that find it's not safe to leave a child in a home. The state and contracting agencies, such as Samaritas, Oakland Family Services and dozens of other contracted agencies, provide foster homes through volunteers or relatives. By its nature, foster care is intended to be temporary, while adoption is designed to be permanent. Foster parents are expected to work with the state or agency and birth parents in hopes that the family will be reunited. It's possible that many people who notice neglect or abusive situations are afraid to report such issues, whether due to retribution or fear that a child will be moved into a worse situation. However, Wollack said the vast majority of foster care parents, whether a relative or not, have a positive impact on a child's life. "I know many foster parents, and those that truly do it because in their heart are amazing people, and they change children's lives," Wollack said. "Don't you think if you had a niece or nephew that needed you, that you would do it?" Michelle Adams-Calloway, of northwest Detroit, said she became a foster parent nearly 40 years ago, something her own godmother had done and encouraged her to do. Since then, she has fostered nearly 100 children.
In Michigan, there are about 13,691 children in the state's foster care system as of May 2018, including about 2,019 children with a long-term goal of adoption.
"I started being a foster parent when my children were small. The world was a lot different. It was the 1980s, and I wanted to be selective in who my kids played with. I had two children at the time, and I wanted to give back. I saw so many children suffering. The main problem was neglect, and as the 80's progressed, you saw more kids addicted to drugs at birth. I got involved and said that if I was going to be a foster parent, I was going to be involved with things and truly advocate for children." During her time as a foster parent, she has continued to work with the same agency, Lutheran Social Services, now renamed as Samaritas, and has served on the Foster Care Association of Michigan, Wayne County's foster Care Review Board, and has helped mentor other foster parents. While she said many children stay temporarily and are reunited with their parents, she has also had long-term stays, adopting eight children over the years. "I'm currently a legal guardian to one child that is in foster care who has special needs. She just turned 17. And then two sisters, one is five – she's having a birthday party today – and one is six; a nine-year-old who will be 10 in August. So, three foster children, and a guardianship, and I have a 12-year-old I adopted," she said.
Adams-Calloway admits that being a foster parent may not be for everyone, as it's hard for the children in the system as well as the adults serving as foster parents, too. "You can't be doing it for the money because you only get $17 a day. I have a full-time job, my husband has a full-time job, and we both work," Adams-Calloway said, who holds an administrative position for the Wayne County Health Authority. "It costs money to expose kids to positive things." Many children have never left the neighborhood from which they were raised, she said, recalling a young girl who had never even been to a mall before. To expose children to new experiences, she and other family members often take children on special trips, including Cedar Point and Disney World. Other times, children discover new worlds because they are exposed to something as basic as different foods. "It's not easy. I don't want anyone to think it's a piece of cake. There was things I had to experience that I didn't have to with my birth children, like running up to the school because of their behavior," she said. "But it's not really their behavior – they are carrying big baggage that they don't share, and they can't, and they don't understand. Some have been in multiple homes, so they hate you when they come in the door. I'm still learning. You have to be adjustable and be willing to make that adjustment for children. You don't know their past, and lot of times you don't get their history. "Many times, you know more than the case worker, and you will need to tell them what is happening. We had an emergency one time, and I found out he needed a medication, and his sister had to tell me he took it. Another time we found out a child was with the wrong agency, and they were re-entering the system for a second time," she said. "You have to be aware and know when you can ask questions of a child, and when you can't. When they are comfortable, they will open up. We send a mixed message to children because we tell them about stranger danger – then you are the stranger and ask them to fit in. "It's hard for the child and the foster parent. Everyone can't be a foster parent, and everyone can't be a parent. You do make personal sacrifices. I've had friends that might ask, 'Don't you think you've done enough?' I'm African American, and we are basically a race of people that sometimes don't seem to look out for each other. As long as there's a need, and God keeps me healthy, I plan to continue." Lena Wilson, vice president of child and family services with Samaritas, said the agency serves over 800 children throughout the state, with about 3,000 individuals in the agency's preservation program, which aims to keep families together. She said about 74 percent of families working with Samaritas are reunited within 12 months. Most of the cases – about 1,500 per year – are referred to the agency by Children's Protective Services. "Most of the time, it's neglect and families not having what they need at the time, and that can turn into an abusive situation," Wilson said. "Also, there are underlying mental illnesses that are untreated because those in poverty don't have the resources to seek services. The same is true with drugs.
"Our goal is to reunify a family within 12 months or less. Usually, we are able to do that." Nationally, there were about 437,465 children in foster care systems in 2016, with figures slowly dropping from about 500,000 in the mid-2000s to under 400,000 in 2013. Since then, there has been a national trending upwards of children in foster care systems. While major reforms in Michigan helped drop the state's number from more than 20,000 children, the number of children entering the system has grown in recent years. In Michigan, there are about 13,691 children in the state's foster care system as of May 2018, according to MDHHS. That includes about 2,019 children that have a long-term goal of adoption. Those figures are down from about 20,000 in 2006, when the number of children waiting to be adopted was about 7,000 children. The high number of children waiting to be adopted, along with high profile deaths of children in foster care or who were to be monitored by the state lead to a class action suit being filed against the state's MDHHS in 2006 by Children's Rights Inc, a nonprofit organization that has won landmark cases on behalf of children in several states. "There was a line in 2006 of more than 7,000 children long whose parents' rights were legally terminated, but they weren't adopted – that's really extraordinary. Likewise for children who could be reunified with their birth parents, so there was something really profound happening," said Samantha Bartosz, deputy director of litigation strategy for Children's Rights Inc. "Then, there were some real concerns with the safety of children once they were removed from parental care. ... When we brought the suit, there was a number of child fatalities that occurred, but the rate of maltreatment in foster care was very high. The rate reported to the federal government by the state wasn't (high), but we learned later that the data system was out of date. They had a terrible system, and it was concealing the safety issue to some degree." Issues in the state's foster care system were well known years before Children's Rights filed the class action. A 2005 assessment of the then-Michigan's Department of Human Services (DHS) and the agencies it contracted with found several serious issues, including a failure to sufficiently conduct criminal history background checks before and during placing children in potentially unsuitable foster homes; not ensuring caseworkers performed and documented required visits with children in foster care; failed to conform with federal requirements; a lack of training for case workers and supervisors; and other shortcomings. The audit followed the death of two Michigan foster children who died in the spring of 2003, who died from injuries they received at the hands of their foster parents. In both cases, two fouryear-old boys died after being beaten by foster parents in unrelated cases, with both children previously suffering from psychological trauma. The Michigan's Auditor General's Report, published in August of 2005, cited recurring problems that had been cited in earlier performance audits. For instance, auditors had previously noted in 2002 that DHS caseworkers weren't conducting or documenting visits with children in foster care and their parents. "WE AGAIN RECOMMEND THAT DHS
ENSURE THAT CASEWORKERS PERFORM AND DOCUMENT REQUIRED VISITS WITH FOSTER CHILDREN, THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR FOSTER PARENTS AND FACILITATE VISITS BETWEEN CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS," auditors noted in all capitals in one portion of the report. Additional findings in the 2005 audit report showed that DHS didn't ensure foster care children received required minimum basic healthcare services and that caseworkers didn't document the services received in foster care files. Anyone applying to foster or adopt must be licensed and meet basic requirements or qualifications, including a criminal background check. In terms of criminal background checks, auditors in 2005 got criminal history reports from the Michigan State Police for all 12,900 foster care providers and adult household members in licensed homes, then narrowed down those with disqualifying or potentially disqualifying criminal convictions between December 1998 and December 2003, identifying 321 licensed providers and 32 unlicensed adult household members with disqualifying criminal convictions during a five-year period. Auditors further found
Auditors in 2005 got criminal reports identifying 321 licensed providers and 32 unlicensed adult household members with disqualifying criminal convictions.
16 relatives serving as foster care providers who DHS couldn't provide documentation that any criminal history checks were done. Those convictions included drug-related convictions, domestic violence, and felony and misdemeanor assault charges. Further, the audit found another two adults living in foster homes with criminal sexual conduct convictions, including one with a child, and three with domestic violence convictions. A main factor in the issues within DHS's management of the state's foster care program was a lack of staffing, with existing staff being so overwhelmed with cases that many were unable to perform their required amount of work. A 2006 annual report by the Michigan Foster Care Review Board asserted the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) had an inadequate workforce that was "a substantial factor of the abuse and death of children in the foster care system." The abundance of newly hired and untrained staff trying to provide services in the foster care system was noted by one senior staff in an email between a MDHS manager and an auditing worker: "The senior staff at one location has three months on the job and the senior staff at the other location has only six weeks. None of their
staff has had CWI training yet. This continues to be a big problem throughout the agencies," she wrote. "It all adds up to a formula for disaster if continued along this track." "There was a spate of annual reports and nothing was moving. We got involved and brought the lawsuit, and we did a real deep dive into the system," Bartosz said. "Once you file a lawsuit, you have formal discovery and we found a number of structural failures in the system that needed to be addressed." In 2008, DHS and Children's Rights reached a settlement agreement upon in federal court that required the system to undergo a number of reforms to improve the system. That same year, a management review of DHS published by Cathy Crabtree took into account testimony from the court case, performance audits, annual reports and additional information. Borrowing from the 2006 email noted in the program's 2006 annual report, the review was titled "Formula For Disaster." Among the specific disasters cited in the report was the death of Isaac Lethbridge, who was removed from his birth parents when he was just one-year-old and shuffled to three different homes in 11 months before being killed in August of 2006. "In 2005, one-year-old Isaac was placed in a foster home. He died at age two, the victim of horrendous abuse in the home. According to the MDHS Protective Services Investigation Summary, there were a total of nine separate complaints about the foster home dating back as far as 1999. Despite numerous reports detailing ongoing harm and dangers in the home, MDHS failed to take minimally necessary safety measures and continued to place children in the home year after year. The children survived somehow; but baby Isaac did not," Crabtree wrote in the report. "After Isaac's death, MDHS discovered his caseworker had not seen Isaac or his birth or foster parents as required, had not completed Isaac's service plans on time, and had not provided a medical exam for Isaac. His caseworker was carrying as many as 46 cases at the time of Isaac's death. The caseworker had received a directive from his employer not to visit foster homes except in an emergency so case reports could be kept up to date. This can only be described as a travesty of child welfare practice when paperwork is the priority over child safety. "The file on Isaac's tragic death included the report that "once the child arrived at the hospital, he was discovered to have second degree burns to his chest and abdomen area, a fresh bruise on the forehead and right ear, old bruises on his chin and left shoulder, and three old bruises on his left upper arm, left thigh and right tibia. MDHS abandoned Isaac to this foster parent and left him completely unprotected." Failures cited in the review include an unstable, disjointed and inefficient organizational structure; excessive caseloads that exceeded recognized standards by more than twice the normal standard; inadequate staff training; nonexistent data management; non-existent quality assurance; poor contract monitoring; poor licensing compliance; inadequate supervision and support of relative foster homes; inadequate service delivery to children; poor permanency planning practices; and inadequate placement arrays.
In terms of caseloads, the review included an assessment of caseloads of workers in the tricounty metro Detroit area conducted in 2007. The assessment found that 22 of 24 caseworkers (92 percent) in Oakland County had more than the maximum nationally recommended number of cases, which was 15, with nine workers having 30 or more cases, and at least one caseworker having 60 cases to work at one time. In Wayne County, 118 of 196 caseworkers (61 percent) had more than the recommended 15 cases, with 24 of those having more than 30 cases. In Macomb County, 29 of 33 caseworkers (88 percent) had case numbers exceeding the national recommendation, with 18 working more than 30 cases. The assessment, which was conducted by the Children's Research Center, concluded at least 348 additional foster care workers were required at the time to attain acceptable levels within the agency. However, MDHS did nothing to implement the finding. The report also found that assumptions that children are safe simply because they are with relatives may lead to deadly consequences, as cited in the case of a girl who killed herself while in a relative foster care placement. "Heather entered care at age 15 in June of 2002 after her mother stabbed her. When she was placed in a relative’s home in 2002, MDHS knew that there were 11 people living in the home and that some were sleeping in the living room. MDHS also knew that a home study had not been done. Six months passed before MDHS completed a home study," the report stated. "The MDHS foster care worker found that: There were 17 people living in a four bedroom home; there were three sets of bunk beds crowded into one bedroom and four individual beds in another bedroom; one person slept in a bed in the living room; walls and floors of the home were 'very dirty;' A two year old child in the home was 'very dirty;' Heather's uncle had an 'explosive' temper and was uncooperative in allowing visits by the caseworker; and the home was 'not environmentally safe.' "In addition, Heather was diagnosed as in need of psychotropic medication to control a bipolar condition and mental health counseling for emotional disturbance. The relatives discontinued counseling for her health and stopped her medication. Demonstrating a complete lack of judgement, MDHS failed to remove Heather even when her uncle became verbally aggressive with the caseworker and had what was described as a 'fit.' MDHS left Heather with these relatives, subjecting her to further harm after she had already experienced a violent attack at the hands of her own mother. "After being removed from the home to a residential facility, Heather ran away to live with another relative. She received no education, no medical care or dental care. MDHS essentially abandoned Heather at the home of this unfit relative, where, in November 2004, Heather hanged herself." Following the class action suit filed by Children's Rights Inc., the state entered into a consent agreement in 2008, putting the system under the federal oversight of U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds for the Eastern District of Michigan. The initial agreement, which was signed in
October of 2008, has been modified several times, set out goals for DHHS to meet. The agreement was modified in 2016 and an Implementation, Sustainability and Exit Plan (ISEP) was entered by DHHS and Children's Rights. The ISEP required the implementation of a comprehensive child welfare data and tracking system, with the goal of improving DHHS' ability to account for and manage its work with vulnerable children; established benchmarks and performance standards the state committed to meet in order to sustain reforms; and provided a path for DHHS to exit court oversight. To monitor progress, the court appointed two monitors from Public Catalyst to monitor changes and assess the state's performance. The latest monitoring report was issued in May of 2018. The monitoring report included a mix of accomplishments and continued areas of improvements, as well as commitments regarding children's safety that haven't yet taken hold. Monitors found DHHS made improvements in assisting youth who age out of foster care transition into adulthood, although some of those improvements haven't been sustained; and significant reductions in the number of caseloads
The latest monitoring report in May of 2018 included a mix of accomplishments and commitments regarding children's safety that haven't yet taken hold.
by Children's Protective Services and foster care related caseworkers. Federal monitors also found DHHS had "significantly undercounted" the number of children in its child welfare custody who were abused or neglected in its care in 2016, with the department unable to accurately report on the number of children who were maltreated. Monitors also said 79.3 percent of relative homes in which children were placed in the latest monitoring period didn't meet safety standards or have a timely home study completed as required. Additionally, the monitors found issues in the previous monitoring period were inappropriately screened out for CPS investigation, and found similar concerns in the latest monitoring period. "Definitely, there is work that still needs to be done, and areas that remain that scream out for more attention," Bartosz, with Children's Rights, said of the latest monitoring report. "That is happening. We are working with the state on that assistance. We have about a 10-year run now of implementing the reform, and many things have been fundamentally transformed. Unfortunately, there is a way to go." Bob Wheaton, spokesman for MDHHS, said reductions in the number of children in foster care was achieved, in part, by expanding family
planning and reunification services focused on addressing barriers that may otherwise be left to out-of-home placement, and promoting a safe return home for children who are placed in-outof-home care. MDHHS also developed and implemented a centralized intake system for all reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children. The 24/7 call center replaced 83 individual county-driven intake processes, resulting in a more consistent and efficient response to reported allegations. He said MDHHS also established a Division of Continuous Quality Improvement to evaluate child welfare practice, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with the goal of making more targeted improvements and providing additional resources and training opportunities. The division also allowed for development of data reports that enable better tracking of performance and compliance. Additionally, Wheaton said MDHHS implemented the Teaming, Engagement, Assessment and Mentoring (MiTEAM) practice model for child welfare cases, which represents a shift in the way public and private child welfare staff approach casework. "Child safety goals have been and will continue to be a top priority. In the last court hearing, the department outlined efforts to reduce maltreatment of children who are in care," Wheaton said. Those efforts, he said, include ongoing training or foster parents with university partnerships; revising forms to clarify distinctions between safety factors and licensing issues; utilizing regional resource teams to recruit, support and develop foster families to meet annual non-relative licensing goals, retain a higher percentage of foster families, preparing families for meeting challenges and developing foster-family skills; supportive visitation contracts to offer support to biological parents during visits to help improve safety for children; and utilizing a safety team to examine data of recurrence patterns to recommend policy changes. While still having room for improvement, Bartosz said the state agreed the state's improvements are light years beyond where it was when the suit was filed more than a decade earlier, particularly when addressing permanency. "Oh my gosh, that was a phenomenal job," she said. "That number of 7,000-plus waiting for adoptive parents has been brought down to under 3,000. That is really admirable." Bartosz said MDHHS' computer system is still being implemented, and as of yet, there have been issues in completing the work. That, she said, leads to other problems, as noted safety issues, with some progress sliding back. She also said the state has a way to go in terms of updating medical passports for children in foster care, which provides a full medical history. The state legislature passed laws requiring the passport to be completed, but its implementation has been stalled due to the lack of an electronic data system. "There are many achievements for people working in the child welfare system to be proud of," she said. "But, we need to pay and give laser focus to be confident it is going to get there."
Jonathan Gruden rowing up with a dad who played professional hockey, you would think it would have been love at first ice. That wasn’t the case for Jonathan Gruden. “The first time on the ice I didn’t really like it,” he said. “Then I tried it a year later and loved it. I’ve loved it ever since.” Gruden was all of four-years-old when he fell in love with the ice and playing hockey, something that’s worked out considerably well for the Rochester native. Starting with his most recent highlight, Gruden was drafted to the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, 95th overall, of this year’s National Hockey League draft. He had recently returned from development camp when we spoke. The excitement from being selected to play professional hockey was still there. “It was a great feeling,” said Gruden about being selected. “It’s what you work for your whole life, and being with all your family and friends was a really special feeling.” Gruden won’t go directly to the NHL in the fall though. He will be studying sports management at Miami University, where he will continue playing forward for their 2018-2019 season. He said since he’s been drafted already, the Senators will follow his development during his time at Miami University. Before then, though, Miami University will have some big shoes to fill in regard to Gruden’s hockey career. He’s spent the last two seasons as a part of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, which he described as some of the best years of his life thus far. “They develop you into the person and player you are today. Without my time there I don’t think that I would be where I am today,” he said. “It was a great time with the guys there, playing hockey every day. It was a lot of fun.” Gruden was also able to go out on a high-note with the team. This year they won the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament. The tournament took place on their home ice in Plymouth. “It gave us a little bit of confidence just knowing we could compete with the top teams in the world,” he said. That confidence boost was helpful when they played in this year’s International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Men's World Championship in Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk, Russia. They ultimately collected silver in that tournament and a lifetime of memories. “None of us had been there before,” Gruden said. “The whole atmosphere there is a little different, like the people and the food. It was a bit of a change for all of us, but we adapted really well – it was a really good time there.” Those two moments are not his favorite during his hockey career though. That would be winning the national championship with his 14U HoneyBaked team. Gruden said that’s probably his favorite moment from hockey because of the friendships he made while on that team. He still talks to most of those guys to this day. Forming those kind of lifelong bonds – on and off the ice – is one of the reasons Gruden likes hockey so much. Being that good teammate is something that his biggest hockey influence, his dad, taught him early on. Now Gruden has some advice of his own to pass on. “Have fun with it, work hard, and be a good teammate,” Gruden said.
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Story: Dana Casadei
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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Luxury Senior Living 200 Chester Birmingham, MI 48009 Telephone: 248.540.4555 www.baldwinhousebham.com 28
DOWNTOWN
08.18
MOVING THE VOTE NEEDLE HOW DEMOGRAPHICS CAN SHAPE AND ALTER ELECTION RESULTS BY LISA BRODY
We all belong to something, whether it's a religious group, an ethnic category, or some kind of community. With the August 7 primary election right around the corner, and then the general election in November soon after, candidates of all stripes and persuasions are busy targeting and appealing to various groups, looking to coalesce a demographic base around themselves. Whether Catholic, Protestant, evangelical Christian, Jewish, Muslim, African American, Chaldean, Indian, Asian, Armenian, or some hybrid, candidates running for office as both Republicans and Democrats have focused, often with laser-eyed accuracy, on how to get you to vote for them. “To some extent, candidates for office have always looked for blocks of votes they could count on or take advantage of,” noted David Dulio, Oakland University professor and chair of the political science department. “Years ago, it would be their ethnicity, like Italian or Polish, and they'd know their ethnic group – like, 'Hey, I'm Italian, so they'll vote for me.' “Today, it's done on much more of a micro level with the ability of campaigns to micro-target,” he continued. “Where these different attributes and characteristics can be targeted through media and online media, whether through websites and Facebook ads that targeted individuals see, and are specialized just for them – think of your Kroger coupons, customized just for you.” The same thing happens with campaigns, he pointed out. “And the same things happen with ethnic groups in order to target their message. And, like Kroger coupons, we don't ever see it. It's done deep in the weeds of campaigns.” For decades, candidates have shown up during election time at churches to appeal to congregants, stressing the similarity in their backgrounds, values and morals, and that they would carry them forward when they got in office. Black churches have been
FOR DECADES, CANDIDATES HAVE SHOWN UP DURING ELECTION TIME AT CHURCHES TO APPEAL TO CONGREGANTS, STRESSING THE SIMILARITY IN THEIR BACKGROUNDS, VALUES AND MORALS, AND THAT THEY WOULD CARRY THEM FORWARD WHEN THEY GOT IN OFFICE. BLACK CHURCHES HAVE BEEN A NOTABLE LOCATION FOR CANDIDATE APPEALS, BUT THEY'RE NOT THE SOLE TARGET. a notable location for candidate appeals, from presidential to mayoral candidates, but they're not the sole target. It is widely believed that if Hillary Clinton had made more visits to the city of Detroit in 2016, notably to African American churches, she would have likely won the state of Michigan, rather than Donald Trump – who won the state by approximately 10,000 votes – because African American voters did not turn out for her as they had for Barack Obama in 2012. While Clinton won Wayne County, she won it with 66 percent of the vote – while Obama carried it with 80 percent over Romney in 2012, and the result was more than the 10,000 votes by which Trump took the state. "The Clinton machine relied so heavily on old relationships to deliver them a win ... They didn't realize there was a new set of voters out there with no loyalty to them," said Rev. Charles Williams, pastor of King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit and president of the National Action Network of Michigan in 2016. It's a lesson to politicians of both parties, to never rest on their laurels, and to never take any voter loyalty for granted. Similarly, when a candidate comes from a religious or ethnic community, there is a direct appeal to that group – to vote for “one of us.” “A politician who appeals to their religious group – it's easy for them because they can appeal directly,” said Rachel Bitecor, assistant director, Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. “It's easier to get your message across if you're attending mass or services.” “Any good candidate worth their salt will have a picture of themselves in their church or temple reaffirming their commitment to their community,” said Dennis Darnoi, a Republican political strategist and principal with Densar Consulting. “Many campaigns will have a grassroots manager or
a coalition builder, a point person reaching out to different parts of the community, to different parts of the district, to connect. They'll have someone connecting to the Jewish community, to the Chaldean community, the Catholic community, to conservative women in the Republican Party. There is not one community that is powerful enough to ride it all the way in these larger (congressional) races.” But just because someone falls into a “box,” it can't be assumed they'll vote like the rest of their ethnic or religious group. “Not everyone with a shared background will vote for someone,” Dulio said. “Voters aren't dumb. They're very good at making the right choice for themselves. They can sort it out pretty well for themselves and/or their family. Just because someone has a clear ethnic or religious background, they may or may not align with that district – like Fayrouz Saad, (a Democrat who is Muslim) or Lena Epstein (a Republican Jew),” each running to represent their party going forward to the general election in November for the 11th Congressional District, which includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, part of Rochester Hills and then meanders through the west Oakland area and into parts of western Wayne County. Dulio feels each woman is out-of-sync with the majority of their religious/ethnic community, and therefore may have trouble prevailing in their race, with Saad, of Northville but having grown up in Dearborn, running in a district with a much smaller percentage of Muslims than in her original home district. As for Epstein, her far right, pro-Trump alliance is out of sync with most Jews in the district, who trend Democratic, according to data. In 2016, American Jews voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, 71 percent to 24 percent, according to the Brookings Institute, up from 2012, when Jews preferred Barack Obama over Mitt Romney, 69 percent to 30 percent. However, Obama captured 78 percent of the Jewish vote in 2008 over John McCain. Bitecor of the Wason Center for Public Policy said that nationally Jews are split 60/40 Democrat to Republican, “with the northeast more liberal. Within the Jewish faith, all Jews are proIsrael. There are some who are much more hardline; there's no compromising on a two-state issue. What drives Jews to be conservative is the hard line on Israel, not the social issues. It's all the West Bank and settlements.” Locally, both polling and anecdotal numbers indicate the split at closer to 80/20, with a majority of Jews falling into the Democrat camp, as they traditionally have since Woodrow Wilson and Al Smith ran for office early in the 20th century, and lined up solidly behind Franklin Delano Roosevelt's candidacy for governor and president, said Anna Greenberg of My Jewish Learning. Throughout the 1960s that support continued as a voting bloc, until Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign, “when American Jews deserted Jimmy Carter en masse, many voting for independent John Anderson and some even defecting to Republican Ronald Reagan...Only African Americans have remained as solidly in the Democratic camp as have Jewish Americans.” “The Jewish community doesn't vote a single way any longer, so it's hard to lump them all together,” noted Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin of Tikvah Fund in New York City. “Most Jewish support for Republicans was in the Orthodox communities, although clearly others are voting that way. “It's hard to know beyond the Orthodox, and some areas with Russian Jews, because it's hard to get good polling numbers,” Rocklin said, in large part due to the fact that Orthodox Jews tend to live together in similar areas and concentrated in certain precincts, while more secular Jews live in wider communities where polling is not broken down to religious data by precincts. “It's clear the Orthodox Jews are growing and having increasingly been voting Republican in presidential elections – but they are not voting as Republicans down ballot, at least not yet.” Rocklin said that is often because those races aren't competitive, or an incumbent is known. “Down ballot there's little question that you're seeing it stay Democrat,” he said, for a variety of reasons. “The Orthodox communities are concentrated in areas that are Democratic.” In metro Detroit, a majority of Orthodox Jews live in Oak Park and Southfield, longtime Democrat strongholds. While there are a variety of different subgroups and sects within Orthodox Jewry, adherents live a very conservative, traditional and
observant lifestyle, with many choosing to live in areas together and some rejecting modern society. They tend to have a high birth rate. “When you have uncompetitive races, people will vote for the incumbent. They know the name, and maybe they've done something for them, versus someone they may not know at all,” Rocklin said, in a statement that can apply to any demographic group. “The real test is in a competitive race – then issues are important.” Rocklin explained that Orthodox Jews first began to veer more conservatively between 2000 and 2004 – because the Republican Party was seen as stronger on Israel and foreign policy. “They went from Gore to Bush” during that period of time, with 9/11 possibly playing a role. “That support only continued to grow over time, except for Donald Trump versus Romney, when it dipped.” He pointed out that there are three issues in general that have resonated with Orthodox Jews for the Republican Party – Israel, school choice and religious liberty, “which continues to grow as an issue, because the Orthodox feel it could be a threat to their ability to live their lives religiously.” The West Bank is sacred to Orthodox Jews, who identify the land as Biblical land given to the Jews, and therefore not negotiable with Palestinians in a two-state solution. The rest of the Jewish community, comprised of unaffiliated, Reform and Conservative Jews, “have not seen much change, and are Democrats,” Rocklin said. “They are changing, but slowly, as demographics change. We'll see a shift as the Orthodox become a greater proportion of the population,” perhaps in one generation, he said, against more secular Jews continuing to intermarry, be unaffiliated, and have zero population growth, or negative population growth. Catholics, Bitecor said, are generally split evenly between Democrat and Republican. “Kennedy was a Catholic, as we all know, and with the rise of the Kennedy dynasty, while they were not universally Democrat, but primarily. And they stayed that way until abortion became an issue in the 1970s through the 1990s. It took some time to really become political, in the '80s, with Reagan, and over time it sorted out, that Republicans are ideologically conservative and Democrats are ideologically liberal.” American Catholics voted for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016, 52 percent to 45 percent, a switch from 2012, when Obama prevailed over Romney, 50 percent to 48 percent. When the Catholic vote is broken down to white Catholics versus Hispanic Catholics in 2016, the results vary significantly – evidence of the role ethnicity plays in voter turnout and response. In 2016, white Catholics preferred Trump 60 percent to Clinton's 37 percent. However, Hispanic Catholics overwhelmingly chose Clinton, 67 percent to 26 percent for Trump. Hispanic Catholic voters were even more loyal to Obama in 2012, 75 percent to 21 percent for Romney, while white Catholics chose Romney, 59 percent to 40 percent for Obama. “Hispanics were pushed to the Democrats via the Republican hard line of immigration that started in 2006,” said Bitecor, noting that Hispanics were split 50/50 when George W. Bush ran for president in 2000 against Al Gore. “Bush ran on a platform of immigration reform, as did McCain. McCain had co-sponsored an immigration proposal. When he was getting ready to run for president, as the (Republican) party turned against immigration, he turned on his own immigration proposal. After his failed presidential run, he turned back to his original support of immigration reform.” Oakland University's Dulio noted that Hispanics are not a monolithic voting group. “Latinos are, by and large, Democrats, but Cubans are very conservative,” he pointed out, with a strong Republican voting record. “Within ethnic and religious groups, there are issues that can split those groups.” Bitecor noted that evangelical Christians “are very reliably Republican. There was a proportion that were horrified by kids in cages (with the separation of illegal immigrant children from their parents), but they prioritize abortion over everything else.” White, born-again/evangelical Christians voted for Trump overwhelmingly in 2016, 81 percent to 16 percent for Clinton. Bitecor said that Michigan has a reliably evangelical portion of the population.
Chaldeans, who are Iraqi Christian Catholics, are very Republican, Bitecor said, but Martin Manna, president of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce in Farmington Hills, said that is not completely accurate. “Chaldeans tend to vote on issues, versus a party, so we're not strictly Republican,” Manna said. “We talk about immigration, which neither party has dealt with. We have a lot of issues with social justice, which is more Democrat. We're conservative with regard to religious and family values, and more liberal when it comes to immigration and social justice values. “Historically, our community is defined by faith, family and food.” Klint Kesto, a Republican state Representative who has represented West Bloomfield and Commerce Township for the last six years, is currently running in the Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. David Trott – and proudly is tapping into his Chaldean background for fundraising and community support. Dulio noted that is a smart strategy. “The Chaldean community, it can absolutely be targeted like any other religious group, Jewish or Catholic,” he said. “So, if a candidate has ties to that group, it potentially can be very profitable to that office.” Derek Dickow, of Steward Media, a consultant, power connector and Chaldean community leader, said regarding Kesto's campaign, “The Chaldean community has an $11 billion impact annually in Michigan's economy… Our pathway to success is retelling of the American Dream, which began similarly to other ethnic minorities: escaping our native homeland to avoid religious persecution and fleeing to America in pursuit of a better life.” He noted about half of Michigan's 160,000 Chaldeans live in Macomb County, the other half in Oakland County. “Although Rep. Kesto represents the 39th District, not a week passes without
CHALDEANS MAY LIVE IN WEST BLOOMFIELD, AND THE NORTHERN PART OF THE 11TH DISTRICT, BUT YOU DON'T SEE AS MANY CHALDEANS IN LIVONIA, OR REDFORD, OR CANTON...WHEN YOU HAVE A HUGE PRIMARY FIELD, A CANDIDATE CAN WIN WITH JUST 22, 23 PERCENT OF THE VOTES – AND THAT'S WHERE HAVING THE BACKING OF A COMMUNITY CAN REALLY HELP. someone from the Chaldean community calling on issues concerning general business, immigration, or other matters. Regardless of where Chaldeans live, they call on Rep. Kesto and say, 'He's Chaldean. He's one of ours.'” Dickow pointed out there are 30,000 registered Chaldean voters in the 11th District, with five Republicans and five Democrats running. Darnoi, the political strategist, said, “Obviously, in an area like West Bloomfield, they (Chaldeans) do hold a lot of influence. They band together to raise money for a favorite candidate. They typically hold fundraisers at Shenandoah (Country Club in West Bloomfield), so members of the community can meet the candidate and get to know them. In a state House or Senate race, where turnout is smaller and lower, it can have a sizable impact. “When you try to expand it out into a congressional race, it has impact – but it doesn't have the same effect,” Darnoi said. “Chaldeans may live in West Bloomfield, and the northern part of the 11th district, but you don't see as many Chaldeans in Livonia, or Redford, or Canton. It's an important building block, but I'm not sure it's sufficient to ride that community to overall victory.” Yet, he did note that “when you have a huge primary field (like in the 11th District), a candidate can win with just 22, 23 percent of the votes – and that's where having the backing of a community can really help.” Bernie Porn of EPIC MRA, said that Kesto's community will matter less in the general election or primary “because it will be more diluted. Special groups mean less in a presidential election, than in a gubernatorial election, then senatorial, then congressional.” Porn also noted that the gerrymandering of districts – where
boundaries are manipulated to favor one political party over another – “makes ethnic votes less meaningful. We call them 'stacking and packing' the districts, making a Republican district in the 54 to 55 percent (leaning) range, where they're more likely to prevail, and then it's just wasting votes. When it's an equal district, African Americans (or other ethnic groups) can impact the outcome of a general election, but when Republicans are strong enough that the only impact is in the primary election, then all demographic groups have less of a say in general elections.” Porn pointed out that “this is why when the Tea Party was really strong, proponents of the Tea Party were stronger in Michigan than their opponents and in other areas of the country, and they could really influence elections – and it's why the state legislature is how it currently is. Now the Tea Party has waned in power, but it still has impact – of 29 to 30 percent (in the general election), but it was 44 to 45 percent of overall voters. In the Republican primary, before, they had 65 percent, 70 percent. The problem is now that many in the state and state legislature still think the Tea Party has that kind of power and impact.” Dickow said Chaldean operatives have a simple strategy – “the expectation on turnout in the Republican primary is about 65,000 voters. Kesto has the most viable pathway to victory if the Chaldean community votes.” Some in the Muslim and Arab American community believe they are a classic swing vote, leaning neither Republican or Democratic but focusing on the candidate, but Wayne State University Professor Saeed Khan, of the Department of History and Near East and Asian Studies, points out that there has been extensive polling information done after the 2016 campaign by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, Council of AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR), and Arab Community Center for
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE ABDUL EL-SAYED IS APPEALING TO MUSLIMS, ESPECIALLY IN AN AD IN THE MUSLIM NEWS. BUT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE SOPHISTICATION OF THE CAMPAIGN. IT'S ALL ABOUT MICRO TARGETING AND NUMBER CRUNCHING, AND WHETHER THEY'RE COLLECTING DATA AND TARGETING THE RIGHT PEOPLE WITH PHONE CALLS, MAILINGS, EMAILS. Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). “The problem, and the understanding, is that there are a number of different Muslim communities – there are Arab Muslims; southeast Asian Muslims; Hispanic Muslims; African Muslims, who are not African Americans; and there are Arabs who are not Muslims, like the Chaldeans, who are Iraqi Christians, and the Maronite Christians and Lebanese Christians,” Khan explained. He said that most Sunni Muslims – those from Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Syria, as well as southeast Asia, Africa and China – went primarily for Hillary Clinton and Democrats in 2016, “but the Chaldeans, Lebanese Christians and some Shiite Muslims (from Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon) voted for Trump, primarily because of the issue of Syria. “Some polls showed that 23 percent of all Michigan Muslims voted for Trump,” Khan said. “That would have been enough to have swung the vote in a state that went with him with 10,000 votes.” There is a slight history of Arab Americans voting Republican, when they briefly supported George W. Bush in 2000. “George W. Bush was initially more inclusive, so immigrant Arab Muslims went for him,” Khan said, “until after 9/11 – then they leaned Democratic, which clearly showed with the 2008 and 2012 elections of Obama. He said the Muslim travel immigration ban is not playing well with the Muslim and Arab American communities, nor with the Chaldean communities. “It is because of the recent Supreme Court ruling, there is now a greater sense of urgency to see if there is way to get legislation, as well as they are seeking to block the Kavanaugh appointment (as Supreme Court justice). “The community is very much now actively seeking their
political literacy and political engagement, not just by running for office, but through understanding political nuance and the understanding of the concepts of checks and balances and the separation of power,” Khan said. Porn pointed out that Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed “is appealing to Muslims, especially in an ad in The Muslim News. But it all comes down to the sophistication of the campaign,” he said. “It's all about micro targeting and number crunching in campaigns, and whether they're collecting data and targeting the right people with phone calls, mailings, emails. Others will do TV ads, direct mail and robocalls, but those are directed at big demographic groups, like all Democrats, or men or women, or older men and older women. Others have data on social media use and purchases.” The Pew Research Center, a non-partisan fact-based think tank based in Washington D.C. that provides the public with information on social issues, public opinion and demographic trends, said that Muslim Americans are largely an immigrant population. “Roughly six-in-10 U.S. Muslims ages 18 and over (58 percent) were born outside the U.S., with origins spread throughout the world. The most common region of origin for Muslim immigrants is South Asia, where one-in-five U.S. Muslims were born, including nine percent who were born in Pakistan. An additional 13 percent of U.S. Muslims were born elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, including Iran, 14 percent in the Middle East or North Africa, and five percent in sub-Saharan Africa.” The Pew Center conducted a thorough religion study in 2015 of 35,000 Americans in all 50 states regarding their religious affiliations, beliefs and practices, and social and political views. It noted that the Christian share of the U.S. population is declining while the number of American adults who do not identify with any organized religion is growing, and the trend is taking place across the country, and across all age groups. It is occurring “among whites, blacks and Latinos; among both college graduates and adults with only a high school education; and among women as well as men,” Pew noted. However, they noted that seven in 10 Americans still identify with some branch of the Christian faith, although it had dropped from 78.4 percent in 2007 to 70 percent in 2015. Those who identified as atheist, agnostic or “nothing at all” had jumped six points in that time period, from 16 percent to 22.8 percent. “And the share of Americans who identify with non-Christian faiths also has inched up, rising 1.2 percentage points, from 4.7 percent in 2007 to 5.9 percent in 2014. Growth has been especially great among Muslims and Hindus,” they reported. According to the Pew report, currently in the U.S., Protestants make up 46.5 percent of the population; evangelicals, 25.4 percent; Catholics, 20.8 percent; Orthodox Christian, .5 percent; Mormons, 1.6 percent; Jehovah's Witness, .8 percent; Jews, 1.9 percent; Muslims, .9 percent; Buddhist, .7 percent; Hindus, .7 percent; other faiths and religions, 1.8 percent; unaffiliated, 22.8 percent. Each of the main religions saw drops, but Pew saw that at the same time, “American Christians – like the U.S. population as a whole – are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. NonHispanic whites now account for smaller shares of evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and Catholics than they did seven years earlier, while Hispanics have grown as a share of all three religious groups. Racial and ethnic minorities now make up 41 percent of Catholics – up from 35 percent in 2007 – 24 percent of evangelical Protestants, up from 19 percent; and 14 percent of mainline Protestants, up from 9 percent.” Pew did note that the size of the historically black Protestant tradition – including Baptists, African Methodist Episcopal Church, and others – has remained relatively stable, at about 16 million adults, with the evangelical Protestant tradition as a whole, having increased about 2 million adults, to a total of about 62 million adults in the U.S. “The African American population, and as a political force, has really plateaued,” said Bill Ballenger, a former Republican state Representative and Senator, and political pundit with The Ballenger Report, noting their influence has waned. “Catholics appear to be declining both as a percentage of the population and in absolute numbers,” Pew said, with about 51 million American Catholics today, about 3 million fewer than in 2007.
Pew noted that in actual size, “unaffiliated are now second in size only to evangelical Protestants among major religious groups in the U.S,” with over 56 million self-identifying. The key question now is, how reliable are any of these groups as voter blocks? “The white voter is still the plurality, including Christians, Catholics and Jews,” stated Ballenger. “The white non-Jewish voters are still in the majority, but they're shrinking rapidly. The white middle class male feels endangered.” Ballenger said that many ethnic groups live in enclaves, like Jews in West Bloomfield, Oak Park, and Southfield; and Chaldeans in West Bloomfield and Sterling Heights; and Indians in Novi and Troy. “Each of the groups may be small, but collectively they have impact. Add them together, and they may mean something.” On the other hand, he said, “Jews, Muslims, Chaldeans, Indians, they may all cancel each other out. We could end up with a Jew and an Indian in the 11th Congressional District (Republican Lena Epstein and Democrat Suneel Gupta) – two ethnic candidates going forward. It's never happened before.” Ballenger marveled at the societal changes that may bring forth such a political earthquake. “The ethnic coloration of Oakland County is spilling over from just (ethnic) voters to candidates with a real chance to win – which is the most remarkable development in this election cycle,” he said. “They're changing the face of the candidacy of Oakland County more than any other place. Traditionally in Oakland County politics, dating back 20 years, there was a surge of African Americans from Wayne County into southern Oakland County, into Southfield and Oak Park. But now, we've moved way, way beyond that,” noting the ethnic and religious population growth of Indians Americans, Pakistani Americans, Asian Americans, Chaldeans, and Muslim Americans in Oakland County. “We're mixing ethnicities and religions. It's a rich stew of religious and ethnic identity that's really changing Oakland County politics and it's changing the face of elections for both parties,” Ballenger said. “Who is coming out to vote for these candidates, and who is running – from the top, in the governor's race to county offices – it's going to continue for years to come.” He pointed out the Michigan governor's race, where a Muslim American man from Bloomfield Hills, Abdul El-Sayed, and an Indian American immigrant from Ann Arbor, Shri Thanedar, are both running in the Democratic primary against Gretchen Whitmer, a woman from Lansing, as an example of the rich stew. “It's not just fringe candidates like in previous races and cycles. They have to be taken seriously,” he said. “They could win. “On August 7, we have to see if their ethnic brothers and sisters turn out, and how much of percentage make up from their districts,” Ballenger said. Thanedar, and Suneel Gupta, currently of Birmingham but who grew up in Novi, and who is running for the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 11th District to replace Rep. David Trott (R ), are not the first Indian American candidates to run for office in Michigan, but if they prevail, they will be one of the few to find political success. Two Jewish candidates, Andy Levin and Ellen Lipton, are facing off in the primary in the 9th Congressional race to replace retiring Congressman Sander Levin. A 2013 report by Global Detroit and Data Driven Detroit stated that of the immigrant groups in metro Detroit, the largest segment is the Indian population, and the Indian populations of Farmington Hills and Troy are among the 20 largest Indian communities in the U.S. As of 2006, the U.S. Census reported there were over 100,000 ethnic Asian Indians in Michigan, with the majority in metro Detroit. In addition to Farmington Hills and Troy, Canton, Novi, West Bloomfield and Sterling Heights have sizable Indian populations. A majority work in the information technology and medical sectors, and identify as Hindu, or to a smaller proportion, Sikh. “Asian Americans, roughly speaking favor Democrats by a twoone margin. Indians are the strongest Democratic-leaning, by a three-one, four-one ratio,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, professor of political science and public policy, University of California at Riverside. He said Chinese Americans and Vietnamese tend to be much more split. “Indians tend to be the most educated, the most affluent,” Ramakrishnan said in explaining their more liberal tendencies. He
also said there “has been a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment and racial conservatism that has leaned to explicit racism in the Republican Party,” driving away Indian Americans, “just like it's kept a lot of Jewish Americans away, as well as discrimination since 9/11, more than the Democrat Party.” One problem, however, with Indian Americans is that despite their higher incomes and higher levels of education, “Asian Americans have a lower voter turnout than African Americans nationally,” which could prove to be a poor bellwether for an Indian American candidate looking to his or her ethnic group, according to Ramakrishnan. Densar Consulting's Dennis Darnoi, concurred. “Generally speaking, politically, Indian Americans and Asian Americans, are not a group politicians seek out. They're more seen as business or medical groups. They don't run on being part of an identity.” Part of that is because Indian, as well as other Asian candidates, often are very successful individuals, “and they're more interested in their achievements as a business person than in their cultural identity.” Further, as a population, “They're better known as running for office than wielding influence.” “Vietnamese use to be Republican, but over the years, they have tended to move over to become more Democratic,” Ramakrishnan said. Ramakrishnan explained the reason Vietnamese Americans were Republican was because anti-Communism was the driving force of the Republican's foreign policy when they began coming in 1975, “and the Democrats were seen as weak, and the refugee experience was very important.” Over time, social services and health care became an increasing priority to the immigrant population. “Refugees needed,
ONE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, WITH INDIAN AMERICANS IS THAT DESPITE THEIR HIGHER INCOMES AND HIGHER LEVELS OF EDUCATION, ASIAN AMERICANS HAVE A LOWER VOTER TURNOUT THAN AFRICAN AMERICANS NATIONALLY, WHICH COULD PROVE TO BE A POOR BELLWETHER FOR AN INDIAN AMERICAN CANDIDATE LOOKING TO HIS OR HER ETHNIC GROUP. and got, social services,” he said, “and a growing American-born population became more Democratic.” In the state House race to replace term-limited Rep. Mike McCready (R), two young Armenians are dividing up that small community, with Mike Banerian battling in a crowded Republican primary to be his party's standard bearer in November, while Mari Manoogian is facing Nicole Bedi in the Democratic primary. Official data, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, puts the metro Detroit Armenian community at 13,877, while ArmeniaDiaspora.com in 2013 puts it closer to 60,000. Darnoi said, “It's not unheard of to have communities that are split (over candidates). Sometimes you see someone, or relatives, who gives to both, so they're still tapping the same donor source.” American Armenians have fluctuated between being supporters of Democrats and Republicans, based on support of recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The community widely supported Barack Obama for president – after supporting George W. Bush. Denis Papazian, founding director of University of Michigan's Center of American Studies, noted that a good portion of Armenian Americans consider a candidate's stance on Armenian issues and can be swayed by a pledge to support genocide recognition efforts. The Armenian American community felt betrayed first by Bush and then by Obama “who ran a campaign of high promises and higher expectations on Armenian issues, only to break every one of his pledges – most notably his commitment to recognize the Armenian Genocide,” said Sevan Kolejian, Armenia National Committee of American spokesperson. “He personally – and remarkably quickly – squandered generations of good will fostered by the hard work of Democrats dating back decades.”
MUNICIPAL City looks into fire department staffing By Kevin Elliott
Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik and Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing are investigating potential funding options to present to city council members on how to staff and fund the city's fire department in the future. The two administrators on Monday, July 23, told city council members they were still in the process of investigating specifics on how much various staffing options would cost, and how those could be funded. Council in June agreed they wouldn't seek a dedicated tax millage this year for additional staff at the fire department, however, that option may be a possibility in 2019. "I think it should be put on the ballot and be decided by a vote of the people," councilwoman Ann Peterson said about future staffing at the fire department. "And, I think you should make them all city employees." Cieslik and Wing were directed by council in June to explore staffing options previously presented to city council which stemmed from a fire department study conducted by an ad-hoc fire committee formed to assess the current and future needs of fire services in the city. The committee earlier said the department's current structure of utilizing only paid, on-call firefighters wouldn't be a sustainable model for the department as response times are already lagging for emergency calls in some areas of the city, and will continue to lag in the future. In order to remedy the problem, the committee suggested adding additional full-time and parttime firefighters in order to staff the city's sole fire station 24 hours each day. Cieslik said the option would likely cost the city an additional $600,000 each year. The specific cost to staff the department as recommended will depend on several factors, including whether the city hires staff directly as city employees, uses a third-party contractor to staff the department, works with neighboring departments to provide staff or determines another course of action is appropriate. Wing said at the July 23 meeting that he and Cieslik were scheduled later in the week to meet with officials in Rochester Hills about 34
Liquor license transfer for RH House ochester Hills City Council on Monday, July 16, unanimously granted conditional use approval and a recommendation to the state for a liquor license transfer to RH House, 2630 Crooks Road, for future alcohol sales. Plans were approved in March by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission for the 4,411-square-foot, full-service restaurant located at the former YaYa's Chicken location on the west side of Crooks, south of M-59. Because the former restaurant didn't serve alcohol, the new owner of the property is required to receive conditional use approval from city council to serve alcoholic beverages. The current building is in the process of being renovated, with plans that include an outdoor dining patio, improved landscaping, facade renovations and increased seating capacity to about 114 seats, not including the outside dining area. "This development is exactly what we long for," Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said, noting the vacant business currently at the site and the quality of the proposed operation. Councilman Ryan Deel echoed the mayor's sentiment. "It's a big improvement to what is at the location presently," he said. "I'm happy to see this development." Council also approved a recommendation to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to approve a Class C Resort Liquor License transfer to RH House. Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton said the resort style license was sought by the developer due to the lack of available Class C tavern licenses, which are limited by each municipality's population. The specific resort license, she said, is one of 550 issued by the state, and permits outdoor service, food service and entertainment. The license also requires at least 100 seating capacity, which RH is planning in its expansion. Councilwoman Susan Bowyer questioned whether there was a limit to the number of such resort style liquor licenses, as the request was the second for such a license in recent months. Barton explained that there were initially 550 such licenses issued, but there could be more. However, she said city council is able to regulate the number of liquor licenses in an area through its ordinances if they believes there's a saturation of alcohol-related establishments. Barton noted the increased use of liquor licenses in Rochester Hills and other municipalities, particularly by establishments that haven't traditionally served alcohol, such as brunch restaurants, spas and salons. "You normally wouldn't see that when Class C licenses were first introduced," she said.
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potential partnerships and would bring the results of those talks back to council in August. Cieslik also said the city is progressing through a fire safety grant process, which could help to provide start-up funding for additional staff for the first year or more of a restructured department. Wing also said at the July meeting that he had prepared a fact sheet about the department staffing options and that it would soon be posted to the city's webpage and shared with residents in the next monthly newsletter. In June, councilman Ben Giovanelli and Rochester Mayor Rob Ray both said they wouldn't support a dedicated millage for additional fire services this November, preferring to support the additional
service through general fund contributions rather than an additional tax. Any effort to place a millage proposal on the November ballot would need to be approved by council and presented to the state by July 31. Councilwoman Kim Russell said in June that she would like to explore the possibility of whether employing a public safety director to oversee both police and fire services would be beneficial. Councilwoman Peterson at the July meeting expanded on that idea, suggesting that any future millage proposal be a combined public safety millage. "If we move toward a millage, we should make it a public safety millage and put police and fire on it," Peterson said.
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Rochester Schools names two buildings Rochester Community Schools on Tuesday, July 17, announced the name of buildings in the district, including the Dr. John M. Schultz Educational Campus, 1440 John R, and the RCS Caring Steps Children's Center, 3838 N. Rochester Road, both in Rochester Hills. The new names stay in line with the district's policy, with screening committees composed of district employees, parents, citizens and students, which was formed to determine the name of each building, said Lori Grein, communications director for the district. Grein said great care and thought went into assuring the name of both facilities was respectful to the legacy and excellence associated with the district. The Dr. John M. Schultz Educational Campus was expanded by 30,000 square feet to provide space for the Alternative Center for Education, the adult special education program and the Rochester Adult Center for Education. Construction on the building began in September of 2017, and is expected to be complete in September 2018. Schultz served as superintendent of Rochester Community Schools from 1983 to 2005. "When (superintendent) Bob (Shaner) told me that a building was being named after me, I was so surprised. I'm honored, truly. I didn't expect it," Schultz said. The RCS Caring Steps Children's Center is slated to open in the fall of 2018, allowing children up to age five to receive quality care and educational expertise. The new services will be housed in a recently purchased and renovated facility located near Gunn Road. The location offers 36,000 square feet on 23 acres. Year-round care will be available for newborns, infants and toddlers from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flexible scheduling includes two, three, four and five-day options. "In order to fully meet the needs of the community, we needed to expand our footprint. Opening a childcare center provided a solution with great opportunity," Shaner said. "If all goes according to schedule, we look forward to opening the facility in the fall." 08.18
Rochester approves senior development By Kevin Elliott
No opposition for school candidates Three incumbents will be running unopposed for the three open seats on the Rochester Community Schools' Board of Education during this year's general election on Tuesday, November 6. Current board members Barbara Anness, Michelle Bueltel and Andrea Walker-Leidy were the only candidates to file to run by the deadline of Tuesday, July 24. Each of the open seats are six-year terms, with current board member's Michelle Bueltel, Barbara Anness and Andrea Walker-Leidy serving terms that expire at the end of 2018. Anness was selected by the board in July 2017 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of former board secretary Beth Talbert. Bueltel was elected to the board of education in 2016 following an appointment. Walker-Leidy was appointed to by the board in April to replace Pat Piskulich, who resigned prior to the completion of his term. Voters living in the Rochester Community School District will choose these candidates in November.
New condos, The Overlook, approved Rochester City Council on Monday, July 23, unanimously approved The Overlook, a 72-unit condominium development on more than nine acres of land on Letica Drive consisting of six, five-story buildings and an extended boardwalk providing views of the Clinton River Trail. The $20-million-plus project is being developed by Soave Real Estate Group's Letica LLC, and will cater to mature residents, with luxury condominiums that are expected to be offered between $500,000 and $750,000, with higher end units expected to reach $1 million, according to land manager and architect Jim Epping, who spoke to city council on behalf of the developer at the meeting. Epping said the project stemmed from 2014 plans for a 133-unit apartment development that would have consisted of three large buildings, which gained approval from the city but had been delayed. The plans were revisited and revised to come up with what he said was a better development for the community, which would bring less traffic and lower density.
"Rather than bringing that back, we revised it and brought back a better project for the community," Epping said. The site is located on Letica Drive, just south of the Rochester Older Persons Commission (OPC) and north of the Clinton River Trail. The land is currently zoned as research park, which was previously established to allow for Par Pharmaceuticals to develop in the area. However, the city has sought less industrial uses in the area in hopes of less intense uses and preserving wildlife areas along the Clinton River, Paint Creek and Clinton River Trail. Because residential development isn't permitted in the current zoning, the developer applied for and on Monday, July 23, received special project authorization for the development. Epping said several changes were made since gaining approval from the city's planning commission. Changes based on concerns expressed by the planning commission include reducing the number of stories from six to five stories in each building, extending the left turn lane along Letica; as well as adding acceleration and deceleration lanes; improved architecture and landscape features; reducing the number of trees removed and increasing plantings to a minimum of 190 trees; improving pedestrian access to the Clinton River Trail; and providing about $80,000 to the city that will be dedicated to improvements to the Clinton River Trail to benefit the public, including residents of The Overlook. Council was generally supportive of the development and changes made by architects, but several had reservations about the look of the buildings and proximity to Letica Drive, based on the architectural renderings presented to council. "I don't like the aesthetics of it, but it's not my choice," councilwoman Ann Peterson said, adding that she hoped architects could improve the "warmth" of the buildings' look. However, Epping said the renderings don't do the improvements justice and provide the full nuance of the buildings, but that they would work to give the buildings a warmer, neighborhood feel. Rochester Mayor Rob Ray said he believes the revised plans are an improvement over what was initially presented to the planning commission, and far better than the original plans for apartments.
six-story senior housing development planned at Elizabeth and Second streets by the Moceri Group was approved on Monday, July 9, by the Rochester City Council. The 243,124-square-foot project known as Blossom Mills will feature 137 units and include a library, casual dining area, a fine dining restaurant open to residents, vendor spaces, a recreation room, cooking class room, spa, swimming pool, workout room and lounge area. Units will range from $2,800 to $4,700 per month, with housing subsidies available to qualified veterans and their spouses. Dominic Moceri, with Blossom Mills LLC, an affiliate of the Moceri Companies, said the project started by looking at the needs of the Rochester community through market research and the city's master plan. Of all the age groups in the city, he said the senior population was the only one that is rising in Rochester. Additionally, he said the proposed project is less intensive on traffic and infrastructure than the current and potential uses in the area. Lastly, he said the price point of Blossom Mills is "attainable" in comparison to other home listings in Rochester, which he said have a low end of more than $200,000. "We feel our services are far more outreaching and exciting to residents," he said about the proposed Blossom Mills community. "There are none greater." City planning consultant John Jackson, president of McKenna Associates, said the 2.47-acre property is zoned as I-1, industrial zoning, which requires that Blossom Mills receive a special project approval from city council in order to proceed. The project was recommended for approval on May 7 by the city's planning commission, which recommended some changes to the site plan. Moceri said the plans have been revised about eight times in 16 months, based on comments by the planning commission, city staff, engineers and comments received from the public. No comments were made by the public for or against the project on Monday, July 9, during a public hearing portion of the meeting. Jackson said McKenna's review of the project found it would be a much needed product serving a niche market. Site plans include a brick building with stone and masonry, with balconies on all units. The building materials were found to be in line with the historic character of the city. In addition to work on the site, Moceri proposed improvements to Elizabeth Street Park, including landscaping and a water wall. Pedestrian safety improvements are also planned along the adjacent trail system, including motion-activated lights and new signage on the roadway at the roadway crossing points. The project also was the first to undergo a "sustainability rating" under the city's new sustainability tool, which aims to score potential projects to see whether they are meeting longterm goals of the city and how projects will impact current and future traffic trends, utility uses and other factors. Projects may score a maximum of 20 points, with two achievable metrics removed from the Blossom Mills project because it is located outside of the DDA area, which would allow it to receive two additional points. Overall, the project was rated 14 of 18, landing it in the highest score category and denoting it meets the city's longterm planning goals. While the project failed to score points for "affordability," because it didn't come in within the city's median unit price, Moceri said he considers Blossom Mills to be attainable, based on what is currently available in the city, and the project's upscale offerings. Further, he said Blossom Mills has partnered with Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America to offer housing subsidies between $300 and $800 a month to veterans or their spouses with qualifying incomes that are no more than 80 percent of the city's median income. "I believe we should honor those that have given service, and that we should have attainability for those," he said. "We believe that inclusiveness is essential to sustainability." The special project approval and site plan were unanimously approved by council, which all offered positive remarks on the project. "I've been in real estate for 30 years and I love your other projects, and I love this one," said councilwoman Ann Peterson. "My only one concern was that of density for the area, but I'm OK with it because I know what this will bring us and how it will change the dynamics of what we have. I think it's important to bring this to the community for this age group because we are lacking something like this."
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Increased revenue in budget amendment By Kevin Elliott
Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, July 16, unanimously approved second quarter budget amendments that will increase the city's fund balance by nearly $5 million in 2018. The approval was given after a presentation of the city's Seven-Year Financial Forecast, which shows a structural fund balance surplus and increased revenues through 2025. The budget amendment included an increase in total revenues of about $7 million and increases in expenses by about $2 million, said chief financial officer Joe Snyder. Snyder said the increase in revenues is primarily due to increases in the state's major road funding, which includes increases in returns from the state's gas tax, supplemental road funding, and secured funding for specific projects, including $1.3 million for the South Boulevard and Livernois reconstruction project; $920,000 for reimbursements of the Auburn Hills portion of the Hamlin Road project; $1.23 million for taking over a portion of the Auburn Road corridor from the state; about $1 million in transfers into the fund for the Hamlin Road project; and more than $500,000 in reimbursements from the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) from lower than anticipated project costs. Additional expenditures include increased capital improvement project funding and a $1.4 million
increase in transfers out of the general fund, due mostly to cover the Hamlin Road project, which the city of Auburn Hills is reimbursing the city. The budget amendments came on the heels of a long-term budget presentation that included estimated increases in property tax that came in higher than expected over last year and maintaining the city's general fund millage rate without any increases through 2025. "I'm very, very happy that the city experienced a 4.7 percent increase (in property values), and that carries into the future," Snyder said. "We also have an increase in interest rates from 1.5 percent to two percent in 2019... that creates greater investment returns for the city." Property taxes in 2020 are expected to increase by about three percent. Currently, property taxes make up about 33 percent of the city's general fund revenues, with state shared revenues accounting for about 27 percent of the general fund, and all other revenues (charges for services, licenses, permits, etc.) making up about 40 percent of general fund revenues. The budget forecast included maintaining a general fund surplus equal to 80 percent of total operating expenditures through 2025, starting in 2019. In terms of general fund expenditures, Snyder said the city plans to maintain the current level of staffing, with 223 full-time employees and two-percent increases for cost of living adjustments. The staffing
GameChanger Athletics gets planners’ approvals ersonal training business GameChanger Athletics, 110 E. Second Street, on Monday, July 2, received site plan and special exception approval from the Rochester Planning Commission for expanded training and fitness operations. Co-owner Stephanie Jones said the specialized training studio moved into its first-floor location some time ago, not realizing they would need a special exception for the business' use. They have since been working with the city to gain the proper approvals. "When we first moved into the building, I checked the zoning map and read it wrong," Jones said. Rochester Economic and Community Development Director Nik Banda said the building, which was formerly home to the Rochester-Avon
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forecast included wage and salary increases included in a recently complete compensation study. Personnel services account for about 49 percent of total expenditures from the general fund, with transfers out to other funds accounting for 26 percent and other expenditures representing the remaining 25 percent for the general fund. Snyder said transfers out to other funds, such as the capital improvement fund or road funds, varied from year to year, but should even out after 2019, as transfers out to the capital improvement fund are included in each year's budget forecast as part of the city's new fund balance policy. The seven-year financial forecast, Snyder said, isn't intended to be a formal plan or comprehensive plan for city council to adopt objectives, but rather a forecast to identify trends and issues that allows council to be proactive, rather than reactive. "The fund balance policy is terrific," councilman Dale Hetrick said. "For me and other city council members, it lets us see how those fund balances are going to be maintained over time and see how we are keeping things consistent. I'm impressed at how that policy is playing out to ensure future city council members will feel the same way and feel confident on how the city will move forward." Council president Mark Tisdel credited former councilman Thomas Wiggins for initiating discussions for the city's general fund balance policy, which sets to maintain a structural
Recreation Authority, is a multi-tenant building that was originally intended to be used as office space on the first floor. There have been several other uses at the building. "We find them to be a desirable use in town," Banda said about GameChanger. Jones said GameChanger operates as a private gym that provides private lessons and classes to individuals and small groups, specializing in fitness and tumbling. "We do a lot of private lessons for cheerleaders and dancers trying to achieve special skills," she said. "We also do some private training during the day. Any of our classes are small groups – about six people – and it's mostly youth, except during the day when we do some personal training, and that's limited to trainers on staff. We like to keep business private and contained, but we wanted to expand our space a little to bring in specific equipment that requires more space, as well as running space for tumbling."
fund surplus of 80 percent of annual operating expenditures. Hetrick also asked Snyder to discuss future stormwater funding needs. Snyder cited a recently completed study of stormwater infrastructure needs, which he said indicated the city will need to begin additional funding around 2025 in order to maintain that system. "The study said, 'you're in great shape now,' but those stormwater pipes underground don't get better over time. You have to have a proactive maintenance plan," Snyder said. "That will put more pressure on the general fund and capital improvement plan. In the mid- to long-term, we will need a solution. ... That's probably the biggest issue that needs to be solved." Councilwoman Stephanie Morita recommended the city discuss the possibility of an increased millage proposal. She said the Older Persons Commission (OPC) recently discussed that, and how that will impact the OPC's debt fund millage. Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett commended city council and Snyder on the development of the financial forecast. "The fact that we can say, for example, five new ambulances in 2022, and they are all funded – most communities would say, 'How do you do that?'" Barnett said. "It's such a blessing to be in this position, and the importance of that here shouldn't be understated."
The number of students and peak business hours were key to the planning commission's decision to approve the request, as the business shares parking space with other businesses at the multi-tenant building. Under the city's zoning ordinance, there must be 69 parking spaces available to accommodate the business, as well as three others at the building. While GameChanger proposed adding additional spaces, the proposed plan fell short of the required number by 10 parking spaces. Planning commissioners determined approval wouldn't lead to a shortage of parkings spaces during any peak hours, based on the business plan of GameChanger and others. Commissioners granted approval with the clause that the parking deviation apply only to GameChanger, and that none of the uses on the site may be replaced by a more intensive use that would require additional parking.
Rochester to revise fees with schedule The city of Rochester will be revising fees charged for services provided by city departments under a new master fee schedule introduced to city council members on Monday, July 9. Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing said the fee schedule would replace a combination of various fee schedules included in different ordinances, policies and resolutions and provide them in one document that would be revised annually. Additionally, he said many of the fees for services haven't been updated in several years, and in some cases decades. Unmodified fees, he said, may be so out of date that they no longer cover the cost of administering the service, meaning taxpayers ultimately end up paying for the user. "This is a project that started when I first got here... it would put the fees into a master document that would be more easily accessible and transparent," he said. The proposed fee schedule lists fees charged by the city and is categorized by department, with existing fees, proposed fees, where fees are located, for instance, whether by ordinance or policy. The document also includes the fee for the same service in similar municipalities, which was considered when proposing new fees. Rochester Deputy Finance Director Marcy Moriwaki said the finance committee and staff considered labor charges, equipment and rental costs, state comparables, and contracted services the city pays when considering whether fees will cover the cost of service. "It really boils down to transparency," she said, who said the fee schedule represents best practices of government finance. No motion was made regarding the introduction of the fee schedule, with council members agreeing to review the proposed fees at future meetings. Some of the most dramatic fee changes were included in those charged by the city's department of public works (DPW), as noted by city councilwoman Kim Russell. Those downtownpublications.com
City expedites water, sewer rate changes ochester City Council on Monday, July 9, approved a measure to expedite water and sewer rate changes that will help the city from absorbing pass-through fees in the future. The city has two separate water systems, with the eastern half of the city supplied water by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) by way of Shelby Township, and the western portion served by a municipal water well located off Livernois Road. The city's department of public works is responsible for maintenance of the water and sewer systems within the city limits. Currently, water and sewer rates for each of the systems are set by city ordinance. That means annual rate changes must be set through an ordinance amendment, a process that includes a public notice, public hearing and two readings (or approvals) by city council. However, the city's infrastructure committee in 2017 recommended removing the rate structure from the city code and allowing rates to be set through a single resolution by city council. Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing said part of the challenge of the ordinance process is that pass-through rate increases from the GLWA and Shelby Township often go into effect before city council is able to amend its own rate through the ordinance process. That means the city often absorbs the cost of the increases until the process is completed, which may take 60 to 90 days. By removing the rate structure from the city's ordinances and adding it to a master fee schedule that may be adjusted by a single resolution by city council, the process may be expedited, along with pass-through fees. Rochester City Attorney Jeffrey Kragt said the city has already made such changes to other fees in the city, and water and sewer fees are adjusted frequently. He said city council would still be required to have adjustments as an agenda item and specifically approve it at a public meeting. Councilman Ben Giovanelli added a caveat to ensure that city council reviews water and sewer rates on an annual basis. Doing so, he said, would encourage greater transparency in the process. City manager Wing said an additional page has already been added to the city's website to specifically list and explain water and sewer rates, as well as a page including those rate changes from previous years. Council on June 11 approved the first reading and introduction of the ordinance amendment. The second reading and adoption was unanimously approved on Monday, July 9, with councilman Dean Bevacqua absent during both votes.
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fees include increasing special pick ups by the DPW from a minimum of $6 to $70, which would include large area rugs from $6 to $70; washing machines, stoves, sinks and similar items from $6 to $196; overstuffed couches from $10 to $196; and other similar changes. "We are changing so fast in Rochester that I don't think it's fair to residents," Russell said. Moriwaki said the fee increases don't apply to similar pickups for the same items provided by the city's refuse hauler, Green For Life, which provides pickup of couches, sinks and similar items free of charge. She said while those items may require notice to GFL for pickup, they don't include special fees. However,
special pickups by the DPW for a similar service would cost more. Those pickups, she said, aren't typical, but could be necessary when a resident or contractor is unable to wait to discard items until GFL is able to pick them up. "We need to know that so we understand what we are voting for," Russell said. "For developers, that's probably a drop in the bucket, but for home owners, it's not."
Silver Spoon plans for relocation okayed Plans by the owner of the Silver Spoon Ristorante, 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, to relocate to
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543 N. Main Street, in downtown Rochester, are underway, as Rochester City Council on Monday, July 23, unanimously approved a recommendation to transfer the restaurant's liquor license. Plans to relocate the restaurant have been in the works for years, as increased business has spurred the need for a bigger building. However, the downtown Rochester location is a relatively new development, following previous plans by the restaurant to construct a 4,000 square-foot building at 6780 Old Orion Court, west of Rochester Road and north of Tienken. Owner Rito Lisi sought to relocate the business to the area occupied by the long-vacant Sikh Gudwara property. Property records show the property was purchased from Gudwara Sikh in 2012 for $230,000. Rochester Hills approved rezoning the land in 2015, and in 2017 Lisi requested conditional use permission, a natural setback modification and site plan approval for the project. Rochester Hills City Council approved the requests in September of 2017. Property records show that the property was sold by The Silver Spoon in January of 2018 to North Row LLC, of Troy, for $490,000. On June 19, the Silver Spoon Ristorante announced it would be moving to the Rochester location. "We are excited to announce we have found a wonderful new location which is just down the road a short distance," the restaurant announced on its Facebook page. "While the new location is slightly larger, we promise to continue providing you with an amazing dining experience that includes high-quality, uniquely crafted food, great wine and service, and of course, a charming atmosphere that includes a few surprises now and again." Council on July 23 approved a recommendation to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to transfer the restaurant's liquor license to the new location. The restaurant's move is expected to be complete and the new location open by late summer. 37
BUSINESS MATTERS 50 years as non-profit Several events are planned throughout the year by the Rochester Area Neighborhood House, 1720 S. Livernois, Rochester Hills, to celebrate the non-profit organization’s 50th anniversary. Originally formed in 1968 from a consortium of eight churches, Neighborhood House has grown to a fully incorporated organization with by-laws and board of directors that aims to help families in need and provide assistance with the goal of longterm sustainability. Events planned to celebrate the halfcentury milestone include a September 16, 50th Birthday Car Show and Party at the Canterbury Village, in Lake Orion. The organization also will hold its annual Scare Away Hunger Run/Walk this October at Rochester College. The history and development of Neighborhood House started with eight, $200 donations from area churches and a small office on Romeo Road in Rochester. The original goal of the 501(c)3 organization was to provide temporary assistance to families struggling with financial problems and connect them with social service agencies in Oakland County. By 1972, the organization incorporated and began developing programs with Rochester Community Schools and other agencies, providing food stamp distribution, medical equipment and volunteer transportation. However, some programs date even before the organization’s formation, such as the Clothes Closet, 44 Mill Street, Rochester, which was initially started in 1937 by Lyle “Red” Knapp, a volunteer firefighter who set out to help families in need from home fires. From its Romeo Road location, Neighborhood House was located for decades to the St. Andrew Catholic Church Campus. By the 2000s, the organization developed transportation services, financial counseling, client mentoring and expanded volunteer services. Neighborhood House has since kept its original focus but has moved from providing one-time emergency help to long-term sustainability. Following its relocation in 2016 to its larger 38
location on Livernois, the organization has expanded programs to include computer training, positive parenting classes, financial management seminars and other services.
French cuisine in Rochester Claude Pellerin recently moved to Michigan from Boulogne-sur-mer, France, so it’s not surprising that around Rochester she is known as The French Lady, 4505 Collins Road, Rochester, where she provides catering and cooking classes from inside Victoria’s Reserve. “We arrived about four years ago,” Pellerin said about relocating to the area for her husband’s job. “I had always cooked, and had parties at my house and people said, ‘you should open a restaurant.’” Instead, Pellerin opened a catering business inside Victoria’s Reserve’s Rochester location, providing a weekly menu with varying French cuisine for local events, businesses or luncheons. Specializing in crepes, quiche, ratatouille, tartelettes and other fare, Pellerin said she prepares meals the same way as her grandmother did when she was a child. That means, the dishes aren’t Americanized versions, but authentic offerings. “It’s real French,” she said. “The way my mother used to cook.” Each weekly menu consists of five different daily menus, with orders placed the day prior and made fresh. Other offerings include smoked salmon, poached cod and specialty menus, such as the “Tour de France” dinner, featuring dishes native to Alsace, Brittany, Provence, Hauts-de-France and Paris. Pellerin also offers cooking classes. Outside of catering and classes, The French Lady’s desserts and other foods can be found at the Rochester Farmer’s Market. “There has been a very good response,” Pellerin said about her recent opening. “It’s a very nice community. We work and go to church here. It’s a real downtown.”
Staying fit Opened earlier this year, the action is in full swing at Fit Body Boot Camp, 1900 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, a gym and
fitness center that specializes in personal training designed especially to burn fat and tone your body. The business was started by brother-sister duo Heather Najor and Vince Salmo. Trainers utilize a special “Afterburn” workout, which is designed to burn maximum fat and tone your body in only 30 minutes. The Afterburn workout involves a combination of “High Intensity Interval Training and Active Rest Training” to let your body to burn more fat and calories than traditional workouts that are twice as long. Group training sessions are led by experienced and certified personal trainers, and are designed to be fun, high energy and challenging.
Bye bye burgers The speciality gourmet burger joint, B Spot Burgers, 176 N. Adams, Rochester Hills, has closed after about four years in business at the Village of Rochester Hills. Started as a franchise by celebrity chef Michael Symons, a handful of the gourmet burger joints have been opened in the country, including the Rochester Hills location, in May of 2014, and later a second Michigan location in Royal Oak, which has also closed. The restaurants feature signature burgers, such as the Lola (dressed with a sunny-side-up egg, pickled red onions and cheddar cheese), the Fat Doug (cole slaw, pastrami, mustard and Swiss cheese), and the vegetarian Impossible Burger. Scant details of the closing were available, but a note on the door of the restaurant stated, “We apologize for any inconvenience but B Spot Rochester is permanently closed.”
Wine & cheese Fine wine and cheese under one roof. That was the perfect pairing for Rochester Hills resident and native Parisian Jean-Jacques Fertal when he opened Rochester Wine, 302 W. University Drive, Suite B., inside the same building as The Cheese Lady. The new store is part retail wine shop and part classroom, with wine and cheese pairings and classes offered in conjunction with the cheese shop at the same location.
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“It’s the perfect combination,” Fertal said, who decided to open the shop after spending more than a decade in the wine business, both with his family’s winery and as a wholesaler. About a year ago, Fertal helped his daughter open Birmingham Wine in downtown Birmingham. Fertal said Rochester Wine offers fine wines from small producers around the world, including France, Spain, California and Michigan. Living close to downtown Rochester, Fertal said it was a simple decision to open his own business close to home. “I love downtowns in general, and the closest is Rochester,” he said. “I had looked at The Cheese Lady for the past couple years and met them last year when I introduced myself. I was surprised she didn’t already do wine.” After discussing a plan with owners Lynn Kaiser and Kimberly Judd, the three agreed to partner with classes and pairings, and locate at the same address, which was a natural fit. “I looked at some other locations downtown, but this one was quite good because it was in an existing business,” Fertal said. “And, cheese and wine together are a treat.”
Health help With no appointments necessary and wait times less than 30 minutes guaranteed, ProHealth Urgent Care, 1268 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, in the Walton Shoppe Plaza, is the latest urgent care clinic to open in the area. The urgent care location provides specialized health care services for all urgent care needs, including acute injury or illness, sports physicals, Department of Transportation and school physicals and occupational health, flu shots, X-rays, lab testing and more. The clinic is open seven days a week with extended evening hours until 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. ProHealth Urgent Care accepts all major insurances, and offers a “no insurance, no problem” special. Business Matters for the Rochester area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication. 08.18
FACES
Joe Santoni ormer Rochester Hills resident Joe Santoni grew up listening to his parents play music on the radio. Now, it's his voice you might hear singing bass with Disney's new musical group DCappella. "It's crazy," Santoni said of the group's recent and upcoming performance schedule. "Three weeks ago (over Memorial Day weekend) we did Beauty and the Beast for a sold-out audience at the Hollywood Bowl for our first performance on stage. It was such a cool experience." The seven-member, a cappella group sings new and classic Disney songs, including tracks on Disney's Incredibles 2 Soundtrack and a fulllength album to be released throughout this year. The album will be followed by a tour of North America. In April, the group performed on "American Idol" on ABC. The performance followed the group's digital single release of a version of "Immortals," from Disney's Big Hero 6. DCappella was formed after a nationwide talent search for vocal performers. With thousands trying out for the group, Santoni said he wasn't sure he was going to send in an audition video until his father convinced him otherwise. "My dad pushed and pushed for me to do it. I was convinced in my head that this wasn't a thing for me, and this wasn't going to happen," he said. "Thank God for him. He was the one who essentially pushed me to get this gig. Now, I'm recording an album and going on tour." If you turned on a FM radio in Detroit, you probably heard his dad, Chuck Santoni, as a disc jockey and on-air personality on former stations WABX, WWWW, WLLZ and others. In 2005, when Joe was a freshman in Rochester Hills, he and his father moved to the Port Huron area. Joe returned a few years later to earn a vocal degree from Oakland University.
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After graduating from Oakland University, Santoni headed to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. "I had been out here for three years and was getting discouraged. This is where the industry is, unless you go for theater, then you go to New York, and that's not my thing." Santoni said he was self-conscious about the audition process, which in the case of DCappella included a video submission and second live audition. "It's very hard, but every time I put myself out there, it has worked out," he said. At Oakland, Santoni was a member of a cappella groups Gold Vibrations and Oakordz. He also performed in four operas and other local shows, such as Karen Newman's Holiday Show. In Los Angeles, he got involved with the L.A. Choral lab. Prior to moving to Port Huron, Santoni said he and his family moved throughout Oakland County, eventually living in Rochester Hills for about seven years. He said he likes to return to the area and visit, particularly his old college campus and teachers that helped guide him. "I always go to campus," he said. "I love being there." While his personal music tastes vary greatly, he said his path at Oakland was more of a logical decision. With theater or opera the basic choices for vocal performance studies in Michigan, he followed a mentor's path to Oakland University. "It wasn't more complicated than that. I just wanted to sing at the end of the day," he said. "I grew up hearing The Beatles, ELO and Procol Harum. My dad has been a huge influence on my musical taste." Story: Kevin Elliott
PLACES TO EAT
Papa Joe’s G O U R M E T M A R K E T & C AT E R I N G
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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.
Rochester/Rochester Hills
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ROCHESTER HILLS 6900 N. ROCHESTER RD. 248.853.6263
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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. 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. 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. 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.
DOWNTOWN
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. Culver's: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily No reservations. 92 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, MI, 48307. 248.293.2200. 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. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.606.4519. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483. 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. 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.
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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. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960. 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.
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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. P.F. Chang's China Bistro: Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 122 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.923.7030. 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. Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. 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. Seasons of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.413.5742.
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 Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy 48083. 248.817.2424. 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. Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. 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.
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. 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. 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. Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.
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METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.
Traditional Japanese revival The Ford-Peabody Mansion – located at 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham – is in the mist of a makeover and will soon house Adachi, a traditional and authentic Japanese restaurant. Adachi’s owner Kenny Koza partnered with chef and restaurateur Michael Schlow to fine tune the concept after seeing a need for more traditional Japanese food options. “There’s not going to be any type of twist on it as far as any type of fusion,” said general manager Conrad Eichbauer. “In (chef) Lloyd’s (Roberts) words, everything is going to be made from scratch – other than soy sauce.” With plans to open for dinner service in August, Adachi will have a 10-seat bar, six-seat sushi bar, and 64 additional seats. While the menu is still evolving, there are a few things that are already set, including their plans to offer omakase, a meal that consists of dishes selected by the chef, and the name, which was inspired by the Adachi Museum of Art in Japan, a museum dedicated to Japanese horticulture.
Cantoro, Part II After the success of their Plymouth Township location, Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria has opened a second restaurant in Troy, Cantoro Italian Trattoria, and so far the new location is off to a busy start. Located in the former Tre Monti space at 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, the restaurant opened for dinner in June, with hopes to start serving lunch this summer. “I’m really happy the way things are running,“ said manager Jeff Jepko Valente. “We’re excited to be in that area and operating in that property.” For those who have visited the Plymouth Township location are now going to the Troy spot, they can expect the same quality of service and almost the exact same menu and wine list. Valente also said that they are discovering a lot of their clientele from the Plymouth location actually live in Troy. “This was a way to bring the Cantoro brand...right into their neighborhood,” he said. And gain a few new customers.
Third times a charm The former location of Birmingham restaurants The Stand and Zazio has new owners, Beth Hussey and Executive Chef Emmele Herrold, both of One-Eyed Betty’s and Pop’s for Italian in Ferndale. Keeping with their tradition of unique names, this one will be called Hazel, Ravines and Downtown. The name was inspired after Hussey took photos of the space, which her cell phone then grouped into an album with the same name. “I did a little research and found out that those are the names of three neighborhoods in Birmingham that all come together right where that building is,” Hussey said. With the general theme of being a friendly, comfortable neighborhood place, the name couldn’t have been more fitting. Much like the restaurant’s name, the menu is broken into three parts. “Hazel” will have very familiar and comforting foods, while “Ravines” will feature food stemmed from other countries and ethnicities. “Downtown” will be more of what’s trending right now in the culinary world, with plans to be constantly evolving. Each category on the menu – think salads, soup, entrees, etc. – will have something from each category. Since the space is so large, at 10,000-square-feet, they also have plans to focus on their four, flexible banquet spaces, which Hussey said can be divided into separate rooms or one large one. Oh, then there’s one other component, a marketplace at the front of the space that will be open daily for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, with plans to do brunch on the weekend. They’re aiming for a fall opening.
LA-flavored ramen After hearing from a friend who lives in Detroit that there were no good ramen places in the area, Urban Ramen owner Kohei Robert Kayano decided to bring his Los Angeles-based restaurant to the mitten. Right now, the 1,200-square-foot restaurant – which is located at 4206 Woodward Avenue in Detroit near the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) and opened in late June – is only offering dinner Monday through Saturday,
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. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. 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. 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 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. 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. Vinotecca: European. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600.
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. 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, Monday-Saturday. 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.
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. 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. 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.
but Kayano wants to be open for lunch by August. Their menu offers chicken paitan ramen, tonkotsu ramen (which has a pork broth), and a vegan ramen, as well as a few other dishes. Naturally, their focus is on the ramen, though. “That’s our speciality, I think. We have a noodle every day, and the broth every day, we make from scratch in house,” he said. “I want the people in Detroit to know that this is authentic, Japanese ramen.”
Rome in Detroit A little bit of Rome has landed in Detroit with the recent opening of SheWolf Pastificio & Bar at 438 Selden in midtown. Chef/owner Anthony Lombardo said the region of Rome is represented on everything from their menu’s Roman pastas to the name itself – SheWolf is based on the Roman origin myth. “I think that there’s not an Italian restaurant like this in Detroit right now,” Lombardo said. “I think we’re pushing the envelope of Italian food.” SheWolf won’t have the giant portions with heavy cheese and red sauce many Americans are used to. This is much more contemporary Italian food, like their already popular carbonara, which has zero peas in it. Not only is the restaurant chef-driven, but they mill their own flour on-site every day in order to preserve the flavors and nutrients that often disappear when preservatives are added. For those interested in watching the process, there’s a glass-enclosed milling room visible to all diners. Word is reservations are already tough to get.
Rocco’s finally opens Growing up near Dearborn’s Alcamo’s Market, Gabe Guido, Jeff Guido, and Kyle Mrkva, were tired of driving from Detroit every time they wanted fresh Italian cheeses and meats. After participating in Hatch Detroit in 2014 – where they were a semifinalist – it seemed they weren’t the only ones hoping for something similar in Detroit, and the idea for Rocco’s Italian Deli was formed. (The name comes from Gabe’s two grandfathers, one had Rocco for a first name, the other as a last name. It’s also his middle name.) “It’s incredibly validating to get to this point and see our concept fully realized and see people enjoying what we’re doing,” said Gabe, co-owner and marketing director, about their June opening. Located at 3627 Cass Avenue in Detroit, Rocco’s menu is a mix of typical, Italian deli sandwiches along with more inventive and adventurous ones. There’s also three salads, a deli case full of meats and cheeses, and a few Italian specialty goods made in-house. And they have potato and pasta salads, which you need to arrive early to get. “We’ve had a hard time keeping those stocked,” Guido laughed.
Living the American dream When asked about why they wanted to open an East African restaurant in Detroit, Hamissi Mamba’s answer was simple – there wasn’t one in the area. This fall he and his wife, Nadia Nijimbere, will open Baobab Fare to bring the flavors of their native Burundi to their new home, with both meat and vegan options available. “We couldn’t make this happen without the support from the community here in Detroit,” Mamba said. The 2,400square-foot restaurant – at 6568 Woodward Avenue in the New Center area – will have juice and coffee bars, along with a small retail space where people will be able to buy food products from Africa, and a dining area for sit-down service. The duo – who were granted asylum to the U.S. in 2017 and took the top prize at Hatch Detroit that year – will also be hiring refugees. “We want to inspire them that you have a place in Detroit, you can make it too,” Mamba said.
Closing time On July 7, the Andiamo’s in Royal Oak announced on their Facebook page that they would be closing their doors after 19 years in the city. Their seven other Michigan locations will remain open. According to a press release from a group calling themselves the Take Back Royal Oak Coalition, Cantina Diablo’s, Red Fox English Pub, and Dixie Moon Saloon also have plans to not renew their leases due to the lack of critical parking in the area. Initially, their lawyer denied it, but a letter to the Royal Oak city attorney confirms plans to turn them into a dual-concept establishment of Diamond’s Steak and Seafood restaurant and Pinky’s, with an outdoor patio and dance floor.
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.
Beaumont Foundation Heart & Style
Sally Gerak
Beaumont Foundation Heart & Style You know your event plan is a good one when you do not need invitations to sell it out. Such was the case for the fundraising luncheon Beaumont Health “First Lady” Julie Fox chaired. It attracted 260 to Oakland Hills Country Club where bright pinkcovered tables echoed (or promoted) the spirited atmosphere. During the brief luncheon program Beaumont cardiologist Dr. Pam Markowitz declared that heart disease is the number one killer of women. A runway fashion show coordinated by trend stylist Mariana Keros followed the savory, heart-savvy lunch. In addition to seasonal trends, the show featured some models who have survived heart disease. A large silent auction generated $38,000 in bids; three live auction items made $9,1000. Thanks also to 28 sponsors, the midday gathering raised $150,000 to benefit education, training and services to underinsured women at the Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center at Beaumont, Royal Oak.
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CCF Spring Into Health, Wellness & Style The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s annual spring fundraising luncheon, which fashion business legend Harriett Fuller founded 11 years ago, attracted 275 supporters ($185, $285 ticket) to the Townsend Hotel. Instead of the customary fashion show, this year the event leaders (Nancy Hodari, Toni Sova, Monica George, Mary Ann Liut, and Contessa Denha) put author/eBay entrepreneur Michael Tonello in the spotlight. His witty stories about acquiring the coveted Hermes Birkin bag for wealthy customers all over the globe were thoroughly entertaining. Dr. Robert PiDilla was also in the limelight, in absentia, as the recipient of the Harriett Fuller Uniting to Care & Cure Award. Thanks to a raffle for a Birkin bag and sponsors, the event raised nearly $150,000 for CCF’s patient support and research programs.
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5 1. Julie Fox (left) of Bloomfield, Margaret Cooney Casey of Beverly Hills. 2. Andy Anderson (left), Sis Fisher and Barbara Ghesquiere of Bloomfield. 3. Mariana Keros (left) of Birmingham, Monica Gayle of W. Bloomfield. 4. Diana Howard (left) of Franklin, Conita Bihler and Cindy Carney of Bloomfield. 5. Pamela Applebaum (left), Marcia Applebaum, Maddie Forbes of Bloomfield and Kathy Roeder of Bloomfield.
CCF Spring Into Health, Wellness & Style
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1. Harriett Fuller (left) and Anabelle DiPilla (left) of Bloomfield. 2. Nancy Hodari (left) of Birmingham, Toni Sova of Bloomfield, Monica George of W. Bloomfield, Mary Ann Liut of Franklin and Contessa Denha of Bloomfield.
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Eisenhower Dance Detroit Gala Many of the 150 dance aficionados ($140, $90 ticket) who gathered at the Garden Theater on Woodward were seeing the restored, historic gem for the first time. They socialized, sipped, snacked and bid $10,000 in a silent auction set up in the bar area on the mezzanine that overlooks the stage and seating area. It was a fine venue for the event, which included a seated dinner catered by Cutting Edge Cuisine and performances of excerpts from Eisenhower’s repertoire. It also spotlighted convincing testimonies to the company’s impact by alum Sofia Mazich, dancer Andrew Cribbett, teacher Katy Ploch and the longest serving board member Debra Bernstein-Siegel. These inspired $20,000 in dedicated giving. Auctioneer Gary Mach also garnered $20,000 for seven live auction items. The fun, stimulating evening was chaired by Beth Cafaro and raised $65,000 to support the education services and outstanding performances of the 27-year-old, internationally acclaimed, contemporary dance company. Great Hearts Gala Over 500 people ($225; $500 ticket) gathered at Ford Field to celebrate the children served by Starfish Family Services. Activities included a VIP Huddle in the locker room, cocktail reception, dinner, live auction and afterglow dance party. but the highlight was the presentation of the seventh annual Great Hearts Award to Beaumont Health for making a profound difference in the lives of Starfish families. The Honorary co-chairs 08.18
were Diana and Steve Howard and Karen and Patrick Smithbauer. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised a record-setting $626,000 for Starfish Family Services’ programs that strengthen families to create brighter futures for children. Gleaners Women Power Events The 25th anniversary of women helping Gleaners provide meals for the vulnerable in our community kicked off with the Women’s Power Breakfast chaired by Juliette OkotleEbeh and Luanne Thomas Ewald. It was presented by PNC Bank and attracted almost 700 savvy women ($125, $85 ticket) to Little Caesar’s Arena. One month later, nearly 400 women ($150, $100 ticket) convened at the MGM Grand for the Women’s Power Happy Hour chaired by Judith Greenstone Miller and Joan Hennessey. It offered 45 great silent auction packages that raised $8,000 and a raffle of two Delta airline vouchers that raised $1,300. It also afforded many of her fan club members the opportunity to chat with Dulcie Rosenfeld, who founded the Women’s Power event lo these many years ago. The main message at both events has not changed: the importance of creating a healthy, happy and hopeful future for children. All cheered when Gleaners CEO Gerry Brisson announced that their power combined with generous sponsors resulted in more than 2.5million meals for kids. Furniture Bank Wine Tasting For the third year Furniture Bank supporters (250 - $60 ticket) gathered in an art deco setting on the 32nd floor of Detroit’s Guardian Building to savor fine wine, hors d’oeuvres, cool jazz and spectacular views of downtown Detroit. Some guests took guided tours of the iconic building. All applauded the moving remarks of event co-chair Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen McCarthy, FB volunteer Tami Jelnick and FB client Sabrina. The latter was celebrating one year free of violence and earned a standing ovation from the audience. Auctioneers Karl Zarbo and Noreen Rybar persuaded guests to bid $28,000 in the live auction and $14,580 in paddle-raise pledging. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised nearly $80,000 to furnish homes and bedding for needy families in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Art of Giving Artist Tom Maniaci of Frame Your Face fame moved his ninth annual downtownpublications.com
Eisenhower Dance Detroit Gala
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1. Nanette Mazich (left) of Birmingham, Marty Testasecca of Northville, Stephanie Pizzo of Rochester. 2. Margaret (left) & Michael Simcoe of Birmingham, Con Gerkis & Sharon Gauci of Bloomfield. 3. Joyce Chen (left) of Birmingham, Angelina Lai of Rochester Hills. 4. Leo Khankin and Anne Adams of Birmingham. 5. David (left) & Danielle Susser and Ken & Patty Eisenbraun of Bloomfield.
Great Hearts Gala
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1. Steve & Diana Howard of Franklin. 2. Ron & Paula Hall of Bloomfield. 3. Lauren (left) & Phillip Fisher of Bloomfield, Doreen Hermelin of Bingham Farms. 4. Rod & Linda Gillum of Bloomfield.
Gleaners Women Power Events
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1. Amanda Fisher (left) of Bloomfield and Jennifer Granger of Birmingham. 2. Mary Lou Zieve (left) and Dulcie Rosenfeld of Bloomfield. 3. Olivia Potocki (left) of Birmingham, Marcy Hayes of Farmington Hills and Dawn Rassel of Bloomfield. 4. Samantha and Happy Hour sponsor MassMutual President / CEO Manual Amezcua of Bloomfield. 5. Joan Hennessey (left) of Trenton, Suzette Hohendorf of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK fundraiser to The Elm Room in Vinotecca and it attracted more than 250 ($75, $100 tickets). It was a splendid call, especially for the delicious small bites, the wine, and space to display the silent auction, which raised more than $10,000, and set up the Bruce Springsteen paintby-number canvas which sold for $750. Pistons cheerleaders were also selling raffle cards and four women modeled the eye-catching, paper dresses Matt Richmond created using colorful prints made by area artists Kim Fujiwara, Carl Lundgren, Tony Roko and Maniac. However, the highlight of the evening occurred when Linda Luchi, who founded the non-profit event beneficiary – Support Our Unique Learners (SOUL) – spoke about the organization’s mission. The all volunteer SOUL provides whatever tools, specialists and therapists are needed to ensure that special needs learners attain success in education and in life. The ninth annual Art of Giving raised $15,000 and awareness of special learners. Sunset at the Zoo More than 400 patrons ($325 & $350 ticket) attended the VIP Reception sponsored by ITC Holdings in the African Grasslands that kicked off the Detroit Zoological Society’s Sunset at the Zoo Safari. They were joined by more than 1,800 partygoers ($175 & $200 ticket) for the remainder of the evening that offered comestibles and spirits from more than 45 purveyors and live entertainment. Many also bought Sunset Keys ($18,000) and silent auction items ($40,000) before the live auction conducted by Steven Gross. It raised another $55,200. Two weeks before the main event, Karen and Matt Cullen hosted the Sunset Benefactor Bash at their Grosse Pointe home and 50 guests ($750 ticket) sipped, supped and applauded Shannon and Dr. Terry Harvill, the Sunset chairs, and departed with a plush giraffe. The annual benefit netted more than $575,000 for DZS educational programs that instill respect for wildlife and wild places. Motor City Wheels for Meals Matick Automotive Group’s Karl Zimmermann hosted the first annual Motor City Wheels for Meals fundraiser inside the new Matick Car Wash in Redford Township. It’s the nation’s largest car wash and easily accommodated the 300 guests ($125 ticket) on hand for the ribbon cutting that kicked off the program emceed by Fox-2’s Roop Raj. A strolling dinner 46
Furniture Bank Wine Tasting
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1. Francine Zick (center) of Bloomfield, Joyce Weishaar (left) of Commerce and Katherine McCarthy of Grosse Pointe. 2. Rob Boyle (left) of Grosse Pointe, David Zick of Bloomfield. 3. June Everett (left) and Dick & Nancy Euler of Bloomfield. 4. Pat & Ed Geisinger of Bloomfield. 5. Allen Wall (left) of Bloomfield, Carol and Jerry Ritto of Beverly Hills.
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Art of Giving
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1. Tom Maniaci of Birmingham, Linda Luchi of Commerce. 2. Dana Sorensen (aka Allyse) of Bloomfield. 3. Link Wachler (left) of Troy, Josh Cyccone of Berkley, Kim Fujiwara of Rochester Hills. 4. Sal Bitonti (center) of Birmingham with Rainna Bazil & Jimi Palazzolo of Sylvan Lake. 5. Rick & Becky Sorensen of Bloomfield.
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Sunset at the Zoo
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1. Past chair Joe & Melissa Campanelli of Bloomfield. 2. Rick Platt (left) of Grosse Pointe Farms, Ira Jaffe of Farmington Hills, Bonnie Larson of Bloomfield. 3. Peggy (left) & Dr. Mark Saffer of Bloomfield, Dr. Edward Hirsch of Farmington Hills. Photos: Jennie Miller.
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and live music completed the scene. Thanks also to sponsorships, the event raised more than $113,000 for the programs that serve 6,000 meals weekly. The PwC Grand Prixmiere The 534 guests ($600 & up ticket) traversing the walkway to the prerace weekend, Grand Prixmiere party tent were the first people to see GM’s 30-piece Art of Propulsion exhibit. The artful display of car components that lined their path reflected the vision of event chairs Margaret and GM VP Global Design Michael Simcoe. When complimented on the exhibit during the cocktail hour, Michael smiled and said, “Yes, that’s the jewelry no one ever sees.” The reception tent showcased colorful paintings by Cadillac lead creative designer Nico Rousselet. They reflected (or maybe inspired) the pulsating energy in the room. Dinner table centerpieces also showcased GM design talent – crystal replicas of the new, Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix trophies inspired by the James Scott Memorial Fountain visible from the tent. GM’s Mark Reuss and Simcoe described the live auction packages that inspired spirited bidding and additional donations of two very popular items. When the party concluded, thanks to the auction and generous sponsors, the fifth annual Grand Prixmiere held on Belle Isle had raised approximately $1 million for the Belle Isle Conservancy. It is earmarked for projects to enhance, preserve and restore Belle Isle, including needed improvements and maintenance of the James Scott Memorial Fountain. South Oakland Shelter Rent Party We love when the plans for a charity event are intrinsic to the nonprofit’s mission. Like the SOS event inspired by the roaring ‘20s-era jazz parties staged in Harlem neighborhoods to collect money to pay the landlord and avoid eviction. The third annual Rent Party hosted by Paddy Lynch in his restored historic Detroit home attracted 246 South Oakland Shelter supporters ($125, $250-VIP ticket) to party, savor donated food and drink and listen to good jazz. The hosts had graciously arranged a variety of comfortable seating options around the terrace stage and in tents. All in all, a grand way to spend a summer evening. It raised more than $46,000 for the vital housing and rental assistance programs the 33-year-old agency provides. downtownpublications.com
The PwC Grand Prixmiere
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1. Kathy (left) & Roger Penske and Michael & Margaret Simcoe of Birmingham. 2. Kim & Mark Reuss of Bloomfield. 3. Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield, Don Manvel of Birmingham. 4. Peggy (left) & David Meador of Bloomfield, Michele Hodges of Grosse Pointe. 5. Judy Jonna (left) with Sandie Knollenberg of Bloomfield, Carol Loussia of W. Bloomfield.
South Oakland Shelter Rent Party
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1. Mary Callaghan Lynch (left) of Bloomfield, Paddy Lynch, Caitlin Lynch of Ferndale. 2. Mike (left) & Patty Moran of Bloomfield, Bo & Joy Broock of Orchard Lake. 3. Susan Norton (left) of Birmingham, Karla Murray of Bloomfield. 4. Rod Birleson & Marilyn Trent of Rochester. 5. Mike & Melinda Ernat of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Preservation Bloomfield Dedication
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Preservation Bloomfield Dedication Ten years ago, when the area’s economy was deep in the dumps, Pat Hardy needed to raise $100,000 to move the oldest house in the city of Bloomfield Hills from Long Lake Road to the Bowers School Farm campus for restoration and use as a public meeting place. The farm house was donated by the land’s developer Eddie Mancini. At a Sunday afternoon gathering at the now renovated Barton Farm House, a plaque commemorating the 164 couples, organizations and individuals who donated from $500 to $25,000 and others who donated services was unveiled. Representatives of Preservation Bloomfield – which comprises the city, the township, the school district and the historical society, but uses no public funds – and its fundraising Friends group, toasted the success of the decade-long project, which is ongoing. Hardy attributed the success to three “G’s” and one “B” – Gratitude, Goodness, Generosity and Belief.
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1. Sue Nine (left) and Pat Hardy of Bloomfield. 2. Michael Dul (left), Eddie Mancini and Paul Nine of Bloomfield. 3. Eddie Mancini of Bloomfield, Beverly Zimmerman of Rochester. 4. Mary Barton Letts & Charles Letts and Mia Materka of Bloomfield. 5. Rosemary and Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills.
Beaumont Drive for Life at BHCC
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1. Julie Beals (left) of Troy and Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield. 2. Jan Race (left) of Grosse Pointe, Alice Aikens and Sally Ingold of Bloomfield, Susan Cooper of Birmingham. 3. Katie Groves (left) of Sterling Hgts., Martha Quay of Birmingham. 4. Molly Saeli (center) of Birmingham, Judy Anderson (left) and Wendy Power of Bloomfield. 5. Margie Hubacker (left), Niki Gallaudet, Char Terry and Andy Anderson of Bloomfield.
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Celebration of Samaritan Center The Good Samaritans are committed to supporting Holy Cross Service’s Samaritan Center that provides comprehensive services in its impoverished, east Detroit neighborhood. Eighty Good “Sams” and their guests ($200 ticket) gathered at Chef Paul Grosz’ Cuisine restaurant to socialize and dine before trekking across the street to the Fisher Theatre to see “Motown the Musical.” The evening, which was coordinated by Marianne Bolton, Carolyn Andree, Sue Nine and Lisa Wilson, raised $9,000 for the Center. The message of one song – “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, Make this world a better place if you can...” could well become the Good Samaritan‘s theme song. Beaumont’s Drive for Life Invitational This year Beaumont supporters combined the 23-year-old Drive to Beat Breast Cancer and the former Round for Life Golf and Tennis Classic into the Drive for Life Invitational comprising a Card Tournament at Bloomfield Hills Country Club and a Golf Tournament at Oakland Hills Country Club. The former, chaired by Julie Beals and Bobbi Polk, attracted 250 women for lunch, bridge or canasta, a brief patient testimonial and lots of conversation. Most participants filled take home bags with old fashion candies from a colorful sweet table. At Oakland Hills, 270 golfers teed 08.18
off on both the South and North courses. Steve Howard, Chris Emde and Ryan Marsh chaired the event which awarded prizes for Best Score and for individual contests. A silent auction ($12,000-plus), cocktails and dinner for 426 followed golf. A highlight of the brief dinner program was the presentation of the Leadership in Philanthropy award to the Rose Family via patriarch Warren Rose for continuing his grandfather’s charitable legacy to Beaumont. “It’s especially a pleasure (that) four generations of the family (have been involved and that ) Beaumont’s cancer care is superb,” he said. Thanks also to many generous sponsors, the inaugural Drive for Life raised $400,000 for cancer care at Beaumont Royal Oak and Troy. American House Foundation Fundraiser The 10th annual Cocktails for a Cause attracted 175 ($150 ticket) to the soaring atrium of Southfield’s American Center for some post-workday socializing, sipping, supping and silent auction bidding. The only interruption in the conviviality was brief – for foundation president Rob Gillette to thank everybody for their generosity and to note some of the assistance (like home repairs) the foundation provided needy seniors, including veterans, in the past year. Thanks to sponsors and the silent auction and a raffle ($16,690), the event raised $180,000 and brought the 10-year total to more than $800,000 for needy seniors and another $350,000 for research at Wayne State’s Institute of Gerontology.
Beaumont Drive for Life at OHCC
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Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com
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1. Steve Howard (center) of Franklin, Chris Emde (left) and Ryan Marsh of Bloomfield. 2. Warren & Carol and Francis Rose of Bloomfield. 3. Rick Smith (left) of Rochester Jan & Ed Mann of Birmingham, Mariana Emde of Bloomfield. 4. Hugh Carney (left) of Bloomfield, Scott Strickland of Bloomfield, Bob Hadley of Orchard Lake. 5. Bob (left) & Mary Scharff of Beverly Hills, Gayla & Bob Emde of Bloomfield.
American House Foundation Fundraiser
1 Women’s Division Project HOPE Though the invitations said Start Of Summer, both the event name and table decor were inspired by the maritime origins of Project HOPE (the SS HOPE hospital ship) and the featured speaker (sailor/author/WD “first gentleman” Erick Reickert). It attracted more than 60 ($65, $75, $100 ticket) to Forest Lake Country Club. The program had highlights. Reickert talked about circumnavigating the globe in an Oyster55 sailboat which he spent 477 days over the course of 15 years doing. For the project he supplemented his love of sailing with his engineering and MBA degrees and rich experience in the automotive industry. The adventure revealed to him several verities: “...when you are living on a boat in a harbor you are not a tourist... the boat can take it; humans are the weakest link ...the heavens are incredible.”
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Women’s Division Project HOPE
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1. Chairs Linda Juracek-Lipa (left) of Birmingham, Bettina Gregg of Bloomfield, Cheryl Hall Lindsay of W. Bloomfield. 2. Carolyn (left) & Dennis Woods of Canton, sailor/author/speaker Erick & WD president Susan Willis Reichert of Bloomfield. 3. Kaye Rittinger (left) of W. Bloomfield, Barbara Wolf and Sherry Saginaw of Bloomfield.
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ENDNOTE
Schools, state should address testing radon requirement bout six school districts in Oakland County – including the Bloomfield Hills School District and Rochester Community Schools – regularly test their buildings for the presence of harmful radon gas, while the remaining public schools either don't feel it is necessary or aren't aware of the need. To be clear, there are 28 public school districts in Oakland County, meaning there are hundreds of buildings where children will be starting classes this fall where the radioactive gas may be present. That doesn't include dozens of private schools where school-aged children will spend the majority of their days for the next dozen years. Still, most school districts believe their classrooms are safe, basing their assumptions on a limited number of their own samplings, at best. Or, worse, choosing not to sample simply because it's not a mandatory requirement by the state or federal government. Despite such assumptions, there are about 600 cases of radon-related lung cancer deaths each year across Michigan, with the radioactive gas being the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind only smoking. Yet, because the Great Lakes State and southeast Michigan aren't traditionally known to have high levels of uranium, many school districts believe the presence of radon isn't likely and doesn't pose a health risk. We disagree. First off, we believe all students have the right to a safe and healthy environment in which to learn. Therefore, parents, teachers and other school employees should encourage schools to regularly conduct radon tests and undertake corrective actions, if necessary. And, because radon gas doesn't have any odor, taste or color, the only way to know for sure if it's present is through testing. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates at least one in five schoolrooms across the country has a short-term radon level above the federal level at which the EPA recommends schools take action. That's about 70,000 schoolrooms in use today. To ensure that radon isn't present, the EPA recommends all schools be tested for radon on a rotating five-year schedule. Yet, since the recommendation is only that, and not required, only about 20 percent of schools nationwide have done any testing. Of the districts that responded in June to Downtown newsmagazine’s questions about radon testing, at least four that had tested for radon gas in the past said they didn't feel it was necessary to retest their schools in the future. Districts that had never tested for radon said it wasn't required, so they didn't feel the need to test, most often citing the lack of any underground classrooms or the existence of basements in general. Such responses illustrate the lack of understanding of radon gas and its ability to enter a structure. According to the EPA and environmental professionals, high levels of radon can occur in any indoor environment, with levels varying from
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building to building within the same district, as well as from room to room in any given building. In fact, the EPA states that "slab-on-grade" buildings, or those without basements, are frequently occupied rooms in contact with the ground. Therefore, a lack of a basement may actually increase the need for testing. Specifically, the EPA states, "Each frequently occupied room that is in contact with the ground should be measured because adjacent rooms can have significantly different levels of radon." Also, the belief that one round of testing is enough to last the lifetime of a building is based on faulty logic. Radon levels may change during different seasons based on the use of heating and cooling systems, construction and other factors. Understanding that radon levels may fluctuate throughout the school year based on weather, heating and cooling system changes, outside construction and other factors is important to note, as the majority of schools that opt out of testing cite such factors as the reason for their decisions. Radon may enter groundwater, become stuck in pockets of gas in the soil, or enter buildings when the gas seeps up and enters a building through cracks in foundations, drains and other openings. Although most buildings draw little air from the soil, such small openings in an otherwise wellsealed building can help to increase radon levels, even if those levels are relatively low compared to outdoor air. Further, while Oakland County is considered at lower risk for the presence of radon, the risk is considered higher than neighboring Wayne and Macomb counties. Consider also that the presence of radon gas doesn't necessarily follow municipal or governmental boundaries, but geology and changes in groundwater and soil. For these reasons we encourage local public and private school districts to establish a radon testing program, if they have not done so already. Such a program should follow the EPA's recommendations of testing rooms on a five-year rotating schedule. Such a program can be undertaken on a realistic timeline and within a feasible budget if done on a regular basis. It is when a district attempts to tackle all testing at one time that costs can quickly rise and become a burden for a school district. Such all-ornothing practices not only fail to give an accurate and lasting sample of radon levels, they also serve to drive up costs for districts. In the end, school districts should approach air quality testing, particularly that of radon, the same way they are now approaching lead contamination. By developing a long-term testing program to recognize issues and monitoring systems that can become contaminated, school districts will more likely ensure the longterm safety of students, rather than scrambling to control a crisis after it arrives.
POCKET VOTER GUIDE Voters in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township will be determining the fate of primary candidates in the Tuesday, August 7, election, either at the polls or through absentee ballots mailed out by municipal clerks. This is a primary election in which you will be deciding who best can represent your party in the November general election, so you must vote on candidates in just one political party. Downtown newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in contested primary races, the answers to which can be found in the special Voter Guide inside the July edition or online at downtownpublications.com. When making our recommendations we considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our over 40 years of institutional knowledge of issues. In determining who we thought could best represent a party heading into the November contests, we looked at both views of the candidates, their ability to run a competitive campaign and how quickly they could assume office should they make it through the general election balloting.
8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township Democrat
X ELISSA SLOTKIN 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township Republican
X MIKE BISHOP 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Portion of Rochester Hills Democrat
X HALEY STEVENS 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Portion of Rochester Hills Republican
X MIKE KOWALL 12TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT Oakland Township Republican
X MICHAEL MCCREADY 45TH STATE HOUSE DISTRICT Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township Democrat
X KYLE COOPER 11TH DISTRICT COUNTY COMMISSION Rochester Hills Republican
X THOMAS KUHN
TEMPERLEY LONDON
MA R N I
PI E R R E H A R D Y
S I M O N E RO C H A
SALE 60% OFF
271 West Maple U irmingham U 248.258.0212 U tenderbirmingham.com
TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES
PRICE: $2,000,000+ 150
140
130
120
38.4% 110
100
$ in Millions
90
80
70
60
50 Mkt 13.5%
40 Mkt 10.6%
30
20
Mkt 5.8%
10
Mkt 3.1% Mkt 2.3%
Mkt 2.2%
Mkt 1.8%
Mkt 1.7%
Mkt 1.5%
RE/MAX New Trend
Bailey Schmidt Inc
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb
0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty
Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham
Keller Williams Domain Birmingham
Hall & Hunter Birmingham
Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills
Shain Park Realtors®
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham
This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18
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