PLACES TO EAT: 200 RESTAURANTS • GERAK: SOCIAL LIGHTS 46
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP
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DOWNTOWN03.17
20
Paraquat: Path to Parkinson’s or farmers’ panacea A highly-restricted herbicide banned in other countries, paraquat is being used by some in the farming industry of Michigan where 26,000 gallons were sold in 20132016 amid concerns that exposure could cause Parkinson’s disease.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
10
Basic institutes of our democracy are under threat by the new administration of President Donald Trump where an altered reality is quickly being established for his support base.
CRIME LOCATOR
15
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Rochester and Rochester Hills, presented in map format.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
17
An Oakland County contender for Michigan Secretary of State; county commission 2018 hopeful starts walking district; personal affront at county swearing-in ceremony; Detroit Federal District Attorney wannabe; plus more.
MUNICIPAL
36
More additions to historic properties list; NO-HAZ cost increases approved; special event expenses to go up; some restaurants benefit with parking change; Riverbend Park gets $40,000 grant; plus more.
THE COVER The Richardson Academic Center Theatre building at Rochester College. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent
Lynn Baker, Associate Broker Deby Gannes, REALTOR® 248.379.3000 | lbaker@hallandhunter.com 248.379.3003 | dgannes@hallandhunter.com
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Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009
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Amy Whipple and Carrie Schochet
SOCIAL LIGHTS
46
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
50
Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law governing revenge porn leaves a lot to be desired, starting with its misdemeanor status; city council did the right thing on nixing liquor at workout facility.
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DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER • ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar | Aileen Wingblad PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski Carol Barr GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Rochester, Rochester Hills and parts of Oakland Township. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Rochester and Rochester Hills. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.
INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. WEBSITE downtownpublications.com
FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS PREFERRED OAKLAND HOMES
FROM THE PUBLISHER lections have consequences. It’s a fact of political life. But the consequences in the first few weeks of President Donald Trump’s term are proving disconcerting, and not because his administration is moving quickly to undo many of the policies implemented by former President Barack Obama. That was to be expected.
E
What we did not expect was the rapid unraveling of some of the basic institutions that are the underpinning of our democracy. I say that with full knowledge that my detractors will take the time to call and email (address listed below as always) in the coming weeks. I consider that part of our stated mission years ago – to foster debate in the community on issues, so I accept it. But I refuse to accept the dark days ahead with the new administration. I simply cannot resist raising a flag now about the transformation that is already taking place in our country thanks to Trump and the rogue staff that surrounds him in the Oval Office. Yes, I find it alarming, and even those who supported him as our national leader should take stock of what is happening. If you doubt there is reason for concern, then consider the following. First there were the relentless attacks on the institution of the news media, historically referred to as the Fourth Estate because of its important role of monitoring the powers that be, forcing transparency and taking a critical look at how our government functions. The effort to minimize the role of the press began on the campaign trail and has continued with the first few weeks of the new administration. Claims of ‘fake news’ and ‘bias’ on an almost daily basis over time has allowed Trump to create an alternate reality for his base of followers, and establishing an almost Owellian Ministry of Truth situation where falsehoods and lies (yes, lies) become the new reality for followers desperate to have their votes validated over the course of the four-year term. To bolster his version of reality, he has even ordered his departments to not speak with the press (note our inability to speak with anyone from the EPA for our story on paraquat in this issue), one more attempt to control the information that gets consumed by citizens. And let’s not forget the daily press briefings where attention is now being paid to obscure, far right media outlets at the expense of the more legitimate news organizations that are not known for lobbing softball questions. Then we have the slow drip critique of the courts, another institution whose independence must be preserved if the democracy is to remain strong. Like with the media, it began on the campaign trail when he criticized a judge as not being qualified because of his family’s heritage to hear a case involving Trump’s so-called business school. It came full circle when he wrote the courts off as they failed to support his poorly written travel ban on immigrants.
Trump then sent out one of his less-thanforthcoming minions to work the Sunday political talk shows to boldly state that the President’s judgement could not be challenged by the courts. Scary stuff. Let’s also throw in his occasional off-hand digs at the value of Congress, the legislative branch that should stand as both a check and balance against the administration if our democratic principles are to be preserved. So hungry for power, or hoping to curry favor with the administration, GOP members of the House and Senate – with few exceptions – are giving all indications of serving simply as lapdogs. The jury is still out, but it is not very promising. President Trump has even attempted to inject politics into the military during speaking engagements before our servicemen and servicewomen. And he has no understanding that the intelligence community is not an extension of his office but a group of professionals dutifully serving the country, regardless of what political party holds the top elected post. Witness his appointment of one of his radical right Breitbart acolyates and political advisors (Steve Bannon) to the National Security Council. A most dangerous situation for a country that was founded on the principle that these two facets of the government should stay above politics. The last thing we need is a politicized military or intelligence community – that’s how governments get overthrown. So the alternate reality is nearly complete. Undermine the sources of information, allowing ‘alternative facts’ from the Trump administration to be foisted on the public, with a wounded press, court system and Congress, the only check and balance forces in the democracy. What has quickly developed is a presidency that has all the makings of an authoritarian regime in which dissent is stifled and truth is what the administration spoon feeds to the public. We have seen this type of so-called leader before, both in the past here (think Nixon) and in the current world political landscape where some countries on the other side of the globe chafe under the rule of lessthan-democratic rulers. A bleak assessment, indeed. But I still place my bets on the press and the courts and what is no doubt going to be a spirited fight to uphold the U.S. Constitution. It’s why our forefathers wrote it – to protect our democracy – almost as if they saw the day in which hucksters and populist showmen would possibly snake their way to the office of President. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
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INCOMING Meeting comments For 30 plus years citizen comments has been at the beginning of the meetings (Right To Comment/February). Also, it is the president's responsibility to set the agenda, not the mayor. Our current president, with a vote of council, moved it to the middle of the meeting. In the past few years Rochester Hills went through two major controversial issues that filled the auditorium with angry residents — water tanks and drilling for oil — and our citizen comments could go on for over an hour leaving the business community, out of town land developers, etc., having to wait for their scheduled agenda item. You could argue the they (business community, out of town land developers, etc.) pay to be there and should go first. You could also argue residents should come first; they live in the city. I support residents coming first. Sitting in the auditorium listening to the business community, watching power point presentations, haggling for tax breaks, etc. is a waste of their time. So putting public comment in the middle of the meeting purposefully discourages public comment. It discourages residents coming to the meeting to make a comment because they don't have the time to wait through that portion of the agenda to make their comments. Scot Beaton Rochester Hills (Rochester city council member 1988-1997)
Public ed propaganda I read David Hohendorf’s (From The Publisher) public education propaganda in the (February) issue of Downtown. More liberal hypocrisy. He tries to give reasons why I should not be able to determine where my tax dollars should or should not be spent for my children's education. I totally disagree. Let me address his pro-public education argument point by point. He believes my tax dollars should be used to fund "legacy retirement obligations" i.e. teacher pensions. It's unfortunate that too many "teachers" are more focused on their pensions than on actually teaching our children. I'll spend my tax dollars on teaching, not teacher pensions. I have no pension. I have to save for retirement myself. I don't have the downtownpublications.com
taxpayer funding my retirement. He went to private schools to escape the increasing violence. Why shouldn't I be able to direct my tax dollars to a school where my kids will be safe. Why should I have to fund a failing school where violence and crime are an everyday occurrence. And worse yet, my kids possibly being the victim of it. He decries that Betsy DeVos lacks experience as an educator and formal training. Did he feel the same way when a socialist, community organizer who had never even run a lemonade stand became the President of the United States? I doubt it. Maybe, just maybe, if the failing public education system had a little competition, instead of the monopoly they so desperately want, it would focus a little more on educating our children instead of striking for higher wages and pension contributions. I'd prefer to send my tax dollars to an organization that will spend it responsibly and not have to spend it on security cameras, guards and pensions for underachievers. Additionally, I don't appreciate the Downtown magazine being used for the expression of Hohendorf’s political views without publishing an opposing view. Marcy Klucznik Birmingham
School of my choice Mr. Hohendorf (From The Publisher/February) shares the same opinion as heard by teacher unions throughout the country – “It is UnAmerican to use public tax dollars for private and parochial schools." I would agree – your tax dollars should not be used to educate my child in a non-public school. But why can't my tax dollars be used, if I choose, to send my child to a school that meets all the requirements of the state? Isn't this the freedom that our constitution provides? It really isn't fair for my tax dollars to support your child, in the school of your choice, but not my child in the school of my choice. It's time for change. Roy Kaiser Rochester Hills
Public education asset I just read David Hohendorf’s column in Downtown magazine (From The Publisher/February) about
public education and I want to thank him for such a clear, impartial point of view. He literally put the words in my mouth for how I feel about this situation. Being an outsider (Mexican family, three years in Michigan because of my husband’s job in the auto industry), it is hard to understand what is going on. In Mexico we already have that class distinction Hohendorf talks about and it is one of the saddest things to watch. I went to private schools my whole life because public schools were not an option. They did not have enough teachers and the (attendance) level was so low because you have people walking two hours to get to school, hungry children or schools without chairs. I understand it is a completely different context here, and that it’s not a comparable situation, but I have seen the other side. I think that public education just as it is remains one of America’s assets. Barbara Heyser Oakland Township
Downside of charters So glad to see an article about the negatives of charters (February/Downtown). My wife taught at Michigan School for the Arts and could only last a month. The really bad thing is the management company and the guy who runs that. Some of the stories she would tell about working there were insane. Name withheld upon request Rochester
Opinion vs. fake news At least Downtown chooses to publish "opinions" – not fake news. Personally, I prefer to be governed by the elite educated class over selfserving millionaires. Good luck to those who can't be bothered to research actual facts that would expose propaganda. “Democracy depends on shared faith: that people of equal intelligence can reason from the same facts to different conclusions.” Vive the revolution! Lyn Sieffert Rochester Hills
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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 February 22, 2017. Placement of codes is approximate.
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Market Share Totals
120
Total $ Volume (by broker)
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List $
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Sell $
$ in Millions
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column (all sources are kept strictly confidential) which can be emailed to: OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. MARCIA, MARCIA, MARCIA: Oakland County Commissioner Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield) may have picked a fight with the wrong person in power when she called out county board chair Mike Gingell and vice chair Mike Spiz, both Republicans, during board swearing-in ceremonies on January 11. “She seemed determined to create dissension,” said a fellow commissioner. “She wants to see more women, and younger women in the leadership, but Shelley (Goodman Taub) (RBloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham) is already a caucus chair.” Gershenson said she did vote against leadership, GERSHENSON “Because the leadership of this county should look like this county. It’s time to give a more diverse message to this community.” She contends she has gotten strong support from both sides of the aisle – and while a Democratic colleague acknowledged it’s something Gershenson had wanted to do for a while, a Republican commissioner felt “it was extremely inappropriate to make it a statement. It was borderline mean-spirited, and it was disrespectful. I don’t get any sense of a ‘good old boys’ club.’ She’s going to have more of an uphill climb getting things done.” Gershenson acknowledges that, but says emphatically, “It was something I felt so strongly about. I am willing to put up with whatever repercussions.” Stay tuned. MOSS, TAKE TWO: Some people just can’t take no for an answer. Chuck Moss, former state representative for the 40th District (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills), former Oakland County Commissioner, and before that, a Birmingham City Commissioner, misses the political limelight. Or so it seems. He was term-limited out of the House in 2012, promptly announced he’d be running for the state Senate in 2014, but unfortunately, the primary didn’t work out so well for him, losing to eventual winner Marty Knollenberg. Then, in 2016, much to the chagrin of Republican MOSS Party stalwarts, who urged him to take on Democratic incumbent Jim Nash at the Water Resources Commission, sources say, he decided to take on incumbent commissioner Shelley Taub (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills), telling folks “it was time for her to go.” Funny thing is, Shelley wasn’t ready to leave. She fought him in the primary, and won. Now, just a couple months after the general election, Moss is telling folks he’s going to take Shelley on again, this time in 2018, that “she’s old,” and he’s ready to start knocking on doors in the district. SOS ALERT: With the 2016 election in the history books, political junkies’ eyes have turned to 2018 races, looking for their next fix. With speculation all over the place for the gubernatorial race on both sides of the political divide, the Michigan Secretary of State and Attorney General races are getting scant attention. That can let a savvy politician network right into a prime spot, if they were that clever. Senate Majority Whip Mike Kowall (R-White Lake, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield, Novi) might just be that KOWALL smart guy. Word is he is networking for the secretary of state Republican spot, although not yet raising the dough he’ll need to run a statewide campaign. Kowall, who is former White Lake supervisor and former state representative, has a strong base in Oakland County, as well as the governor’s ear, which could be beneficial, because the party’s candidate is appointed by precinct delegates to run against the Democratic challenger. A huge advocate for the auto industry, notably for investments for autonomous vehicles, Kowall said there is a large contingent in the Upper Peninsula “who appreciates the things I’ve been doing.” But, can he GROT overcome Shelby Township Clerk Stan Grot, who Republican insiders say may have the right wing faction on his side. As for Democrats, former Wayne State University law school dean Jocelyn Benson, who lost to current secretary of state Ruth Johnson in 2010, is floating trial balloons about another possible run. WISHFUL THINKING: 2018 is the year that Republicans are looking to take downtownpublications.com
back one of Michigan’s two U.S. Senate seats, with Senator Debbie Stabenow’s (D) seat coming due. Stabenow, currently Michigan’s senior senator, assumed office, or should we say wrangled it out of the hands of former Senator Spencer Abraham (R) in 2000. She handily won re-election in 2006 against Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, and again in 2012, against former Rep. Pete Hoekstra. Michigan Republicans say that former Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) are both “definitely looking at running.” Stabenow, however, is believed to be untouchable. STABENOW “I don’t think anyone can take her,” said one insider. “(Sen. Gary) Peters is beatable, but she is not.” Republicans believe they need a candidate with an ego and money to run against her – qualifications both Upton and Richardville have, with Richardville’s ego already quite large, “and he was the (state) Senate majority leader, so he can raise money.” Upton is a member of the Whirlpool family, so money is not an issue. FLOOD WARNING: Royal Oak criminal defense attorney Todd Flood, who spent 10 years in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, seems to have thought he hit career jackpot when he was appointed by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette to lead a special investigation into the Flint water crisis. Word is he’s been eyeing the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan as his next post – the position Barbara McQuade has done a stellar job at rooting out public corruption, from former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to cancer doctor Farid Fata. While the U.S. SCHUETTE attorney’s position can be a political patronage appointment, Flood’s work as a special investigator has raised questions, from his impartiality due to past political donations and slap on the hands by judges to Schuette on work (which Flood contributed to) for the Flint water crisis. Reliable word is that the U.S. attorney, to be appointed by the Trump administration, will be Matt Schneider, currently Schuette’s deputy attorney general. NO LONGER INVISIBLE: If you’ve been watching the TV and reading the news, and are feeling absolutely Trumped, you’ll feel comfort in the news that you’re not alone. Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Resisting the Trump Agenda, has quietly spawned local chapters, including one for the 9th Congressional District, which includes Bloomfield Township, said spokesperson David Bowen, a professor at Wayne State University. “We’re a group of 15 to 20 – it varies from week to week; we’re mostly interested in taking some kind of action to oppose the Trump agenda. Many of us, like me, it’s the first time, or in a long time, we’re politically active.” There are other local groups, and because they meet either in small groups, or TROTT online, each group makes its own decisions, and teaches tactics on how to make members of Congress responsive to their constituents, another member said, such as being visible at town halls and at local congressional offices. “We’re asking members of Congress to use tactics that the minority has access to – filibuster, unanimous consent rule, adding amendments to bills – we’re learning from what the tea party did successfully, and what Republicans did for the last eight years.” A Facebook group for the 11th District is currently trolling Rep. David Trott (R-Birmingham, Troy, Novi), seeking his response and feedback from what they perceive as a nonresponsive congressman. Indivisible says their value is in allowing people to feel their voices are heard. TSL: Republican U.S. House members David Trott (sprawling 11th District that takes in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills) and Mike Bishop (meandering 8th District which includes Rochester and Rochester Hills) make the list this month for their lockstep votes in recent weeks to rollback the Stream Buffer Rule that limited dumping the waste from coal mining operations in local streams. It’s a rule promulgated in the Obama term of office and Republicans in Congress and President Trump had vowed to eliminate it under the guise of creating more coal mining jobs. Rep. John Yarmouth (D-Kentucky) opposed the rollback BISHOP but said he would change his vote if anyone in the House would drink a sample of water he brought from a local well. No takers on this one.
DOWNTOWN
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FACES
Matt Einheuser dhering to a daily workplace routine may make sense for some people, but for Matt Einheuser, a watershed ecologist with the Clinton River Watershed Council in Rochester Hills, there's no such thing as a routine day. "There's not a typical day, which I enjoy," Einheuser said. "I like that fact that everyday I'm doing something different. I might be out in the field or behind a desk. When it's nice out, I find work to do outside. When it's not, I have plenty of work to do behind the computer, as well." As the main organization overseeing the watershed's management plan, the council coordinates restoration and monitoring projects to protect and improve the Clinton River and its entire drainage area, which runs from Springfield and Independence townships to the mouth of the river at Lake St. Clair. Einheuser's job as ecologist involves overseeing and coordinating the council's technical needs. That includes collecting data himself, coordinating with other organizations, overseeing programs and projects, and training volunteers to assist with projects. "In the winter, I do a lot of grant writing for restoration and clean-up projects. In the spring and summer, I do a lot of field work, and that includes monitoring of streams and waters to see how their conditions are. A lot of times, we do pre- and post-monitoring to see the effectiveness of a project." Monitoring water quality includes activities such as taking water samples directly, or checking for indicators of water quality, such as the presence of specific fish or invertebrate species that require high-quality water to thrive. "They are kind of like the canary in the coal mine," Einheuser said. "When some of those start to disappear, that's a sign of poor water quality. Or, when you see a lot appearing, that's a good thing. They are a great indicator of water quality and conditions." By collecting and identifying indicator species, Einheuser can calculate an area's health score. He also looks at invasive organisms and plants, or the amount of woody debris that may disrupt the watershed. "There are many times when I'm standing in the river in waders in the middle of the work day, or sitting on the edge of a stream and looking at bugs and realize, 'I'm getting paid to do this. This is awesome,'" he said. For those with a passion for the outdoors and the environment, the work isn't just fun. It also helps ensure local governments and businesses are meeting state and federal environment regulations related to wastewater treatment plants, sewage and stormwater management and other sources of potential pollution. Raised in Oakland County, Einheuser was introduced to the outdoors as a youngster. He earned a degree in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University, where he also earned a master's degree in crop and soil sciences, studying the effects of land-use change on stream health. In 2015, he joined the Clinton River Watershed Council, following a position as a conservation technician working with landowners and the agricultural community. "Growing up, I was raised hunting, fishing, camping and all things outdoors. From a young age, I found a passion for the outdoors, and I knew I wanted to work at something outdoors and do something to preserve that," he said. "We have a 3-year-old son who loves the outdoors. I'm also driving that passion for him, so he and future generations can have this to enjoy."
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
PARA PATH TO PARKINSON'S OR
J. William Langston was working as the head of neurology in July of 1982 at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, in California, where a 42-year-old heroin addict was brought from the county jail after suddenly becoming unable to move or speak Admitted for possible catatonic schizophrenia, Langston found that the patient appeared to be cognitive but unable to control his motor skills. The symptoms, he said, resembled those typically displayed by older patients during the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. Stiff, rigid and in a frozen state, five more zombie-like addicts began arriving at San Francisco Bay Area emergency rooms. "A group of heroin addicts in the 1980s all developed fullblown Parkinson's disease overnight," Langston said, recounting the episode that ultimately led to a scientific breakthrough in the research of Parkinson's disease and linked its risk to a number of herbicides. "It looked identical
QUAT PANACEA FOR FARMERS BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
to advanced Parkinson's. It was called 'the walking dead' on the street. Nobody had ever seen anything like it. Eventually, we found out what was going on." The connection, so to speak, was a clandestine chemist who had cooked a bad batch of MPPP, a painkiller similar to Demerol first created in 1947 as an alternative to morphine. In 1976, the formula resurfaced when a 23-year-old chemistry student used the recipe to create an uncontrolled designer drug to be used as a synthetic heroin. The student, by no small coincidence, developed the same Parkinsonian symptoms as the addicts seen by Langston in 1982. Working with law enforcement, Langston was able to find the source of the drug, analyze its chemical compound and identify an unintentional impurity called MPTP, which is created during the manufacture of MPPP when its temperature gets too high.
The revelation that a chemical shown to cause Parkinson's-like symptoms was developed as an herbicide led to dozens of subsequent studies investigating whether exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. "They not only got high, but they became stiff and rigid," Langston said. "The drug they injected isn't toxic at all. But (MPTP) is a compound that can get in the brain, and once it gets there, it's converted to MPP+, and that's the toxin. It gets into the brain and wipes it out like a Nike missile. It's unbelievable how incredibly toxic it is." Because Parkinson's disease isn't known to naturally occur in any species other than humans, researchers had no way to replicate the disease in animals prior to Langston's discovery. Within months of the finding, they were able to induce Parkinsonian symptoms in monkeys by using MPTP. In 1988, Langston founded the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, California, where he now serves as Chief Scientific Officer. The non-profit, independent institute provides basic and clinical research, clinical trials and patient care for Parkinson's disease and related neurological movement disorders. Research developed from the discovery of MPTP allowed for a better understanding of Parkinson's disease, including ways to treat it and potential causes. Studies began focusing on pesticides when scientists discovered MPP+ was introduced by Gulf Oil Chemicals as an herbicide in the 1970s under the name Cyperquat. "It was almost marketed in the U.S. as an herbicide," Langston said. "I'm not sure why it never made it to market." The revelation that a chemical shown to cause Parkinson's-like symptoms was developed as an herbicide led to dozens of subsequent studies investigating whether exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Perhaps the most studied pesticide has been paraquat dichloride, or simply "paraquat," which is one of the most widely used herbicides on earth. While not identical to cyperquat, Langston said MPP+ and paraquat are structurally similar. "There are probably over 40 or 50 studies, from a variety of pesticides to other environmental neurotoxins, into Parkinson's that all came out of this little molecule that froze the addicts, which surged this whole thing," Langston said. "There is a huge amount of research on paraquat." Paraquat dichloride, or paraquat, is a nonselective herbicide that controls a range of weeds, grasses and other green plants in which it comes in contact. Paraquat is used in the farming of more than 100 types of crops, including row crops, orchards, fruits and vegetables. It's also used as a desiccant, which is applied to some crops prior to harvest to kill off green material and aid in harvesting. Outside of farming use, paraquat may be used
in right of ways, pastures or fallow land, around commercial buildings or storage yards. "It's a very effective herbicide, and it's been out there for a long time," said Christy Sprague, a crop and soil research scientist with Michigan State University's research and extension program. "In general, it works a little differently. It's a contact herbicide, so it works differently than glyphosate (Round Up) that moves throughout the plant. Pretty much, whatever it comes in contact with, it will control. And it will control most plant species, so the one that is being controlled has to be above the ground at the time of application. It pretty much burns the plant tissues." Paraquat was first registered for use in the United States in 1964. Due to it's high toxicity, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1978 categorized paraquat as a "restricted use" pesticide. The designation requires those working with paraquat to attain a special certification. Likewise, the sale, transport, storage and application of paraquat is heavily regulated by the EPA, which prohibits its storage or use in residential areas, near schools, playgrounds, golf courses, parks and home gardens. There are no paraquat products that are registered for homeowner use, and no products registered for application to residential areas. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is responsible for registering about 15,500 pesticide products in the state, which includes about 600 that are classified as "restricted use" pesticides. Of the those 600, 14 herbicides registered in Michigan contain paraquat as an active ingredient, said Brian Verhougstraete, pesticide registration program specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "You have to be certified to buy it for use. You have to be certified before you can even buy this stuff," Verhougstraete said. "Certification isn't specific to that herbicide itself. If it's restricted use, certification is for any herbicides that are restricted." The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said about 23,600 gallons of paraquat were sold from 2013 to 2016 throughout the state. Of that amount, about 110 gallons were sold in Macomb County and five gallons were sold in Oakland County. No paraquat was sold in St. Clair, Wayne or Livingston counties during that period. "That doesn't mean the applicator is applying it in Oakland County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it just means that's where they bought it," Verhougstraete said. In terms of unique qualities, there are at least a few reasons that paraquat stands out from other herbicides. Its high toxicity and lack of any known antidote if swallowed has led to
paraquat becoming a known suicide agent, a dubious distinction that contributes to its heightened regulation and additives to make it harder to ingest. Yet, because paraquat becomes mostly inactive when it makes contact with soil, its use isn't typically connected to agricultural runoff or crop contamination. Paraquat also solidified its place in pop culture when actor Jeff Bridges improvised the term "human paraquat" in the movie "The Big Lebowski." The term is a reference to paraquat's use in drug enforcement efforts to destroy marijuana crops, and implies a person is a "buzzkill," in the parlance of cannabis culture. From 1975 to 1978, the United States did indeed work indirectly with the government of Mexico by funding an aerial spraying program to destroy marijuana fields with paraquat in the Sierra Madre. The United States contributed about $30 million per year to that program and its companion that utilized another herbicide to eradicate poppy plants used in the production of heroin. Because the action of paraquat is largely dependent upon sunlight, Mexican farmers at the time were able to salvage the treated marijuana by quickly harvesting the plants and wrapping them in dark cloths before exporting them across the border. In 1978, following the discovery that marijuana entering the United States from Mexico was contaminated with paraquat, Congress ordered an investigation into whether or not the plants represented a health hazards to marijuana smokers. Epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Services found 13 of 61 samples of marijuana from the southwestern United States to be contaminated with paraquat from the Mexican spraying program in concentrations from 3 to 2,264 parts per million. About 3.6 percent of 910 samples of confiscated marijuana nationwide had "detectable" levels of paraquat. The CDC estimated about .2 percent of paraquat found on contaminated marijuana remains unchanged when smoked and is retained in the lungs. It was estimated about 31.3 percent of all marijuana smokers in the United States would inhale less than 100 micrograms of paraquat in one year, with .1 percent inhaling 100 micrograms or more. In 1985, the government issued an impact statement on the effects of paraquat on marijuana smokers, stating "there is a slight risk that heavy smokers of marijuana could be affected by paraquat-sprayed marijuana.â&#x20AC;? Whether marijuana smokers exposed to paraquat suffered immediate health impacts is unknown; attempts by epidemiologists to assess them at the time didn't produce any conclusive results. Likewise, there's no existing
evidence the spraying program resulted in any additional risk for Parkinson's disease. "Parkinson's is a disease of aging that progresses over time,â&#x20AC;? said Samuel Goldman, principal investigator of neurology at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. "Whatever process was initiated in the late 1970s, it would only now be coming to fruition. If there were effects, we would start to feel them now." Yet, paraquat isn't the only pesticide that has been named in scientific studies to be a potential environmental factor in the onset of Parkinson's disease. In fact, a 1986 study spurred by Langston's development with MPTP just a few years prior studied Parkinson's patients whose symptoms began at age 40 or earlier, then looked into those patients' childhood environments. The study, conducted by neurologists at the University of Saskatchewan, in Canada, focused on 21 patients. Of the 21, all but two had spent the first 15 years of their life in rural Saskatchewan. Further, all but one of the patients exclusively drank well water for those first 15 years. The researchers concluded that rural environments in the province contributed to early onset of Parkinson's disease, and that well water contamination from pesticides may have contributed to that onset. While the study didn't offer definitive evidence of a specific pesticide with a causal factor to Parkinson's disease, it served as one of the early epidemiological studies that looked at the incidence and distribution of Parkinson's with other factors based on Langston and other's findings with MPTP. Later epidemiological studies on the subject included better data on specific herbicides and more accurate exposure incidents. More recent studies, including one by Goldman that was published in 2012, have focused on the association of paraquat and Parkinson's disease in context with genetic factors. It is the combination of both genetic and environmental factors that is believed to be the cause of Parkinson's disease, rather than any specific influence. "It hasn't been easy to find the causes. If it were just one thing, it would be easy. We would have found it," Langston said. "It's probably a combination of genetic risk factors and environmental factors." Working with Langston and other researchers, Goldman's 2012 study, "Genetic Modification of the Association of Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease," investigated Parkinson's disease risk associated with paraquat use in individuals with certain genetic influencers known to be associated with higher rates of Parkinson's disease. Goldman said researchers already know that
people with Parkinson's disease have lower levels of glutathione S-transferase T1, an enzyme that acts as an antioxidant by removing free radicals from the body. Some studies with lab rodents have shown that paraquat produces Parkinson's symptoms through the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants. Goldman said nearly 20 percent of people have a genetic variation that inhibits the production of glutahione. "We think this is the model for what is going on with most Parkinson's," Goldman said. "There are a lot of these environmental factors out there, and in many people they don't result in disease. But, if you're one of the people with this genetic predisposition, it does. In this case, it is a genetic variation that is very common. A 20 percent variation is high; most genetic variations are about 5 percent." Researchers genotyped individuals who had participated in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), which is a high quality epidemiology study evaluating the link between pesticide use and various health concerns, including cancer. The AHS includes more than 89,000 pesticide applicators and their spouses in Iowa and North Carolina, who have participated in the study since 1993. The Goldman study examined those applicators exposed to paraquat in relation to whether or not they had the genetic mutation affecting glutathione. They found those applicators exposed to paraquat unable to produce the enzyme were 11 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease than those who aren't exposed to paraquat and are able to produce the enzyme. "It's the largest risk association ever recorded for Parkinson's disease," Goldman said of the correlation. "Clearly, based on this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although in epidemiology we like to see replications to make sure it's not random â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's pretty compelling based on the magnitude and biological plausibility. It makes sense scientifically that it would be a combined effect." Outside of being associated with Parkinson's disease, paraquat is highly toxic. The herbicide works by disrupting the photosynthesis process when it comes into contact with green plants. Much of the toxicity of paraquat is lost when the active ingredient hits the soil and binds to clay particles. Those factors suit themselves to some specific situations, such as treating weeds between rows of crops, as well as a herbicide that can be used in no-till farming to knock down weeds prior to planting without having to disturb the soil. Further, paraquat is commonly used to treat weeds that have become resistant to other herbicides, such as glyphosate, known commercially as Round Up, which is a more widely-used herbicide.
Paraquat's toxicity and lack of antidote when ingested; it's track record for what the EPA has deemed high risk for harm from exposure; and the possible link as an environmental factor in the development of Parkinson's disease, have resulted in the herbicide being banned from use in at least 32 countries, including China and those in the European Union. Switzerland, where the largest producer of paraquat, Syngenta, is located, has also banned its use. In 2015, Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency issued a Special Review Decision on paraquat, making it a "restricted class" pesticide in that country, based on ingestion and occupational exposure incidents that have posed a risk to human health. Further, the country imposed limits on paraquat's active ingredient concentration levels, as well as other safety measures. The use of paraquat in the European Union was initially authorized in December of 2003 by the Commission of the European Communities. At the time, the herbicide had been banned in 13 countries within the EU, including Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Finland. In February of 2004, Sweden, supported by Denmark, Austria and Finland, took legal action against the commission to annul the decision. In its claim against the commission, Sweden alleged the commission failed to protect the environment and human and animal health, as well as procedural shortcomings. The European Court of First Instance, which in July of 2007 overturned the commission's decision in favor of Sweden's request, found a number of producers of paraquat led by Zeneca, never addressed existing studies on the link between paraquat and Parkinson's disease, nor did the commission's report include any assessment of such literature. The court also found the commission failed to satisfy procedural requirements and disregarded procedural provisions in its assessment report of paraquat's potential risks by stating there are no indications of neurotoxicity associated with paraquat, as well as the commission's omission of a French study on paraquat operators' exposure levels. The court also found at least one instance where an operator's exposure to paraquat was above the acceptable exposure levels despite prescribed use, and that it ignored another study's safety recommendations. Further, the court found the commission failed to properly assess paraquat's risk to animal health. In the United States, the EPA recently increased restrictions on paraquat in an attempt to mitigate human health risks. In December of 2016, the EPA issued an "Interim Mitigation Decision" on paraquat that phases in a series of additional restrictions intended to prevent accidental ingestions and
More recent studies have focused on the association of paraquat and Parkinson's disease in context with genetic factors. It is the combination of both genetic and environmental factors that is believed to be the cause of Parkinson's disease.
The EPA also is undertaking a Health Risk Assessment, scheduled to be released in late 2017. The assessment will include a review of studies that purport a link between the herbicide and Parkinson's disease, as well as other health risks. reduce exposure to workers who mix, load and apply the herbicide. Specific changes announced by the EPA in December include: label changes emphasizing paraquat's toxicity and supplemental warning materials; targeted training materials for paraquat users; closed system packaging for all non-bulk (less than 120 gallon) end use product containers of paraquat; and restricting the use of all paraquat products to certified applicators only, thus prohibiting use by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator. Closed-system packaging requires the herbicide application equipment used to connect to the container and transfer the product through a series of hoses, pipes and couplings so that the closed system is the only feasible way to remove paraquat from the container without destroying the container. Packaging can't contain any screw caps that can be removed or allow paraquat to be poured from the container. The new restrictions and requirements will be phased in, beginning in March of 2017 through September 30, 2020, which is the last day for the sale of paraquat products that don't comply with new labeling and closed system requirements. The EPA also is undertaking a Health Risk Assessment for paraquat, which is scheduled to be released in late 2017. That assessment will include a review of studies that purport a link between the herbicide and Parkinson's disease, as well as other health risks. The EPA stated in its proposed interim decision released in March of 2016 that "there is a large body of epidemiology data on paraquat dichloride use and Parkinson's disease," and that "animal studies and other epidemiological evaluations have suggested that paraquat (and also the pesticide rotenone) may be causative agents (or contributors) in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. Still the agency said in documentation that the interim restrictions were based only on acute exposure to paraquat dichloride. "However, as part of the comprehensive human health risk assessment scheduled for 2017, chronic effects will be reviewed," the agency said it its decision. The risk assessment may recommend additional mitigation measures prior to the completion of the registration review, and may be incorporated into the final registration review's decision. In addition to the recent mitigation decision, paraquat is undergoing the EPA's Registration Review process, in which the agency reevaluates the herbicide to determine whether it continues to meet the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) standards to protect applicators, consumers and
the environment. All pesticides registered under the federal act must undergo the re-evaluation process on a 15-year cycle. An initial draft and recommendations of the registration review is expected to be issued in late 2017, with a final version due in 2018. Medical professionals Downtown Publications spoke with who have studied paraquat and the potential increased risk for Parkinson's disease say they believe the EPA should join some of the other countries that have banned the herbicide and deny its reregistration. "I think it is totally appropriate to take it off the market," Langston said. Goldman also said he believes paraquat use should be halted. "To me, it's crazy that this stuff is on the market," Goldman said of paraquat. "If you give it to a rat, if you give it to them once, nothing happens. If you give it to them twice, spaced apart in low doses, they develop something that looks exactly like Parkinson's disease." While the EPA has worked to increase protections for those handling and using paraquat, Goldman said those measures don't appear to be adequate. In looking at the rates of Parkinson's disease among applicators in the Agricultural Health Study, he said it's apparent farmers are at an increased risk. "Presumably, because they were the professionals, they were using the appropriate protective measures, like gloves and respirators, but nonetheless, they absorbed this," Goldman said. The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) of North America, a non-profit organization with five regional centers worldwide and more than 125,000 members nationally, has asked the EPA to impose a ban on paraquat. "Pesticide Action Network is encouraged by the EPA's proposed interim mitigation measures for paraquat dichloride, but finds that while these may be useful in the short-term, the only way to effectively end poisonings and human health impacts from paraquat exposure in the US is to ban all uses of paraquat dichloride," the organization said in a statement to the EPA in May. Additional short-term mitigation measures that PAN recommended was a request for the EPA to lower the concentration of paraquat in its formulation, such as a measure that Japan took in 1986 when it lowered the solution from a 24-percent solution to about 5 percent. Solutions in the United States are about 30 percent paraquat dichloride. The American Association of Poison Control Centers, which represents 56 regional poison control centers in the country also requested the EPA require a reformulation of paraquat to a 5 percent solution.
"The best way to treat an illness, including poisoning, is to prevent it," the association's president, Marsha Ford, said in its statement to the EPA. "In exposures to toxicants, what often determines illness from non-illness and death from non-death is the dose." But not all scientists agree. Many in the agricultural fields say paraquat's effectiveness and relatively inexpensive costs make it hugely beneficial to domestic farmers, as well as thirdword countries that have struggled with food production. Michigan State University's Sprague said she doesn't feel it's necessary to ban paraquat's use, as there are already protective measures in place. "Personally, I don't think it needs to be banned," Sprague said. "I think there's been very responsible use of that herbicide. I don't see it going away." Domestically, the EPA estimates an average of four million pounds of paraquat were applied annually to over seven million acres between 2011 and 2013. Bernard Zandstra, a research and extension professor at Michigan State University's Department of Horticulture, said paraquat in Michigan is widely used for tree crops, such as apples, as well as specialty crops. "Its use has been pretty constant," Zandstra said. "When it first came out in the 1960s, it was the only contact desiccant type herbicide people had. Until that time, they were using things like 2,4-D for that, but that drifts and has a lot of problems. Then glyphosate came out in the 1970s, and in many cases it's used in it's place for a couple reasons. It's not nearly as toxic. Paraquat has human toxicity problems. With that said, there's a fair amount of use because little resistance has developed to it." Zandstra said the most recent discussions about paraquat at the EPA level have focused on the dangers associated with the ingestion of the herbicide. He said he wasn't familiar with much research connecting paraquat to increased risk for Parkinsons disease. "I'm aware that it's widely used in third world countries in Africa and Asia because it's widely inexpensive," he said. "The poisonous part to humans is what the discussion is about at the EPA. It's still widely used. I've talked to a number of growers since the discussion came up in the past couple of months, and there is a lot of concern." Syngenta, the largest manufacturer of paraquat, thus far has taken the view that paraquat doesn't cause Parkinson's disease, stating that there is an absence of evidence that paraquat is causally related with the disease in humans. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment for this story, instead referring to official statements made to the EPA.
"Syngenta is undertaking a major research program in the animal model to investigate the alleged link between paraquat and Parkinson's disease. The research has been or will be published and the results communicated to relevant regulatory agencies," the company said in its statement. "The key finding is that paraquat, even at the maximum tolerated dose, does not cause dopaminergic neuronal cell loss in the SNpc, the area of the brain associated with Parkinson's disease, as claimed in certain external publications." The company further stated that many epidemiology studies investigating the alleged association "are characterized by weakness in their study design, particularly the assessment of past exposure, and provide an inconsistent picture." The Michigan Farm Bureau has stated that paraquat is an important herbicide for farmers in the state. While the EPA in March of 2016 said it was proposing prohibiting the use of backpack sprayers for the application of paraquat, the agency reversed the proposal to allow continued use. The Farm Bureau and others strongly opposed the proposed measure. "Paraquat dichloride is a restricted use herbicide that our state's growers depend on for weed control. Many of our grower members tell us that they utilize this herbicide in site specific areas, often applying with small batch mixes for handheld or backpack sprayers. In EPA's recommendations, they would like to prohibit this type of application. This would be devastating for our state's growers, and we urge the EPA to reconsider, and re-register the use of paraquat dichloride, by following the strict label requirements." Across the state, Michigan has more than 36,000 acres of cherries, 36,500 acres of apples, 21,000 acres of blueberries, 48,000 acres of potatoes, 112,000 acres of specialty crops, and a large amount of alfalfa, corn, dry beans and soybeans, with row crops accounting for more than 4.7 million acres of agricultural production in Michigan. Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance, said paraquat's use in alfalfa is important as both an herbicide and a desiccant. "Paraquat dichloride is used both as a winter annual weed management treatment and as a harvest aide in alfalfa grown for seed throughout the United States," Nelson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Depending on the region in which it is grown and the variety, most alfalfa goes dormant during the winter months, and paraquat can be applied during the dormant stage to control emerged winter and annual weeds without injuring the crop... few weed species have developed resistance to it, and it is an excellent desiccant harvest aide... There are no
alternative herbicides currently available that can function similarly in all of these rolls." Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association, said paraquat is one of the herbicides that makes it possible for no-tillage farming, which reduces soil erosion and water runoff from crop fields. "The use of herbicides, including paraquat, has made the revolutionary practice of conservation tillage possible. To remove grower access to these important tools threatens to undermine the water quality progress, progress and reductions in pesticide runoff that have been achieved through the incorporation of such practices." Richard Wilkins, president of the American Soybean Association, said about 173 million acres, or about 62 percent of all tillable acres in the United States, practice no-tillage farming. "The non-selective herbicides, including paraquat, used in conservation-tillage scenarios save precious topsoil every year in the United States,â&#x20AC;? he said. In considering the benefits and drawbacks of pesticides, it's not abnormal for the agriculture and medical communities to not come to the same conclusions. Further, those hoping for stronger restrictions or an all-out ban on paraquat know they are facing an uphill challenge as President Donald Trump has vowed to take down regulations that may hamper business. As Trump works to get his cabinet appointments approved, the EPA, both on a regional and national level, is adhering to the administration's blackout order on the media. Multiple calls and emails to the EPA's national and regional spokespeople requesting comment for this story were not returned. Out-of-office email responses and voicemail messages suggest journalists email all questions to press@epa.gov. No responses to emails to that address were made. "We have seen this in other areas as well," said Carrolee Barlow, CEO of the Parkinson's Institute. "We have work done by high-quality technicians where we can show how compounds are causing connections, and the industry is able to squelch data to keep things on the market. "The pesticide industry is one that really needs to be regulated. We know how these compounds kill areas of the brain... if that information is regularly denied or squashed, that is really where the problem starts." Organizations and lobbyists representing farmers and the pesticide industry say they will be working with the Trump administration to pull back on regulations pushed by the previous president that they see as too restrictive. CropLife America, a Washington D.C.-based trade organization representing the pesticide industry, said one of its main objectives under
the new administration will be to seek a reset of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodentcide Act (FIFRA), which is the federal law that guides pesticide regulations that are intended to protect applicators, consumes and the environment. Under the act, the EPA is responsible for enforcement of pesticide regulations. However, many in the industry accuse the EPA of shifting enforcement policies from those based on science to those based on public perception. "We believe there was a policy shift in regard to pesticide regulation over the past few years. The goal is to reset pesticide regulations back within the four corners, or boundaries, of FIFRA. That includes re-establishing sound science, stakeholder engagement, transparency and due process," Beau Greenwood, executive vice president of governmental relations and public affairs for CropLife America, said. "Whether we are reaching out to new members of the Trump administration as those positions are filled, or working with congressional Democrats and Republicans alike, we believe that policy shift isn't going to course correct itself. Our number one goal is to correct that shift." Greenwood said the EPA has imposed several restrictions on pesticides without a need being necessary or proven, many of which he said appear to be based on politics rather than sound science. Likewise, he said members desire improved stakeholder engagement on decisions, including input from other government agencies. For instance, Greenwood pointed to the EPA's recent decision to place additional restrictions on paraquat when the United States Department of Agriculture offered suggestions during the EPA's comment period, rather than being ensured a seat at the table. "We are also looking for sufficient funding levels for the EPA," Greenwood said. "The trend has been to spend less. It's critical to have a regulator that is sufficiently funded, and we will be working to make our case. They are the licensing agent, and it's in our interest to have them fully staffed." Syngenta, which is the largest manufacturer of paraquat, is among the companies represented by CropLife America. Others include major pesticide manufacturers, such as Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, and others. Another goal of the association is the reauthorization of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, which sets out the registration service fee system. "It's still early. We would love to have people confirmed at the EPA and USDA, but those confirmations haven't occurred, yet. We are looking for those opportunities once they are confirmed," Greenwood said. "There was a growing list of agency actions we thought went beyond the four corners of FIFRA, and that is what we are trying to correct."
Syngenta, the largest manufacturer of paraquat, thus far has taken the view that paraquat doesn't cause Parkinson's disease, stating that there is an absence of evidence that paraquat is causally related with the disease in humans.
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Tom Zibkowski Realty Executives Midwest
586-532-6700 Ex 114
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5 bedroom 1 1/2 story home with finished daylight lower level, tons of storage, built-in gunite swimming pool, large fire pit and basketball court on 2 acres! Gourmet kitchen with large island, stainless steel appliances, large eat-in breakfast nook & pantry, wrought iron staircase, central vacuum including the basement, extra-large driveway with 3-car attached garage. 14933 Timberwoods Court, Washington Twp $729,900
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28
DOWNTOWN
03.17
REVENGE
PORN COMBATTING RISE OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON THE INTERNET
BY LISA BRODY
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indsay (not her real name) is a beautiful Oakland County twenty-something, working to make it in the modeling world. A 2014 photo shoot between herself and an aspiring photographer, where she had several nude photographs taken, were destined to remain private. While a few photos were posted of her au natural, the photographer and herself were the only two people on the planet whose eyes were destined to see the most risquĂŠ pictures. So she had hoped and thought. Sometime later in 2014, she learned an anonymous email account in her name was created. Impersonating Lindsay, someone sent an email to the photographer informing him she had lost the photos, and asking him to email them to her for her modeling portfolio.
Soon, the private photos began appearing online on revenge porn websites. Revenge porn websites are where sexually explicit images or videos made usually by an individual or a partner in an intimate relationship are used by the partner to blackmail, humiliate, intimidate or exploit the individual for breaking up with them, or to control them. They are posted on a website, often with sufficient information to identify the individual, with names, home addresses, workplaces, and links to social media profiles. The images can expose victims of revenge porn to workplace discrimination, cyberstalking, or even physical attacks. It is also termed cyber rape, and is considered a form of sexual abuse. Victims are harassed, traumatized, and threatened. Some victims have been so tormented they have had to change their names. “It's adult cyberbullying,” asserted Jody Westby, CEO of Global Cyber Risk LLC in Washington DC. “We think of cyberbullying for kids, but it's not just to children. Revenge porn is another form. It really is bullying against another human being as an adult. The best way to frame it is as cyber revenge and cyberbullying.”
A
mna Osman, president and CEO of Haven, an Oakland County non-profit organization for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, said they are increasingly seeing victims of revenge porn coming to Haven for counseling help and assistance to combat the existence of the involuntary pornography on the websites, including mainstream social media sites. “We have seen clients who have willingly shared intimate photos and videos with their partners, only to have the partner use it as a weapon after the relationship ended,” Osman said. “There are so many outlets for this abusive tactic – Facebook, Snapchat, etc., or even just showing pictures on your phone to others. It is a newer tactic of power and control, and we will probably see more survivors experiencing this as social media continues to grow and expand.” Osman described one client, who had left a physically abusive relationship only to discover her ex-partner was sharing intimate pictures and videos on social media, and was trying to share them with her new partner. “This fit into a pattern of power and control of her ex-partner, giving him another tactic to be abusive towards her,” explained Osman. Initially, Lindsay had no idea who could have posted these private photos of her. She had broken up with her boyfriend so long before, she didn't immediately think of him as a suspect. According to Kyle Bristow of Bristow Law in Clinton Township, who has represented about three dozen women in revenge porn lawsuits, about 10 other attorneys told Lindsay there was no way to identify a suspect on a revenge porn website. But Bristow knew better. And he helped Lindsay get the images off the internet, and get even. “I sued John Doe as a placeholder, then acquired discovery powers and sued the photographer,” Bristow said. From there, he sent a subpoena to Google, who gave the phony email's registration to Bristow. “When you create a Gmail account, you have to put in a cell phone number – which I got,” Bristow said. “I used instant checkmate.com to do a reverse cell phone search, which showed who the cellphone was associated with. Google also provided us with the IP address associated with the address,” which showed it was Lindsay's exboyfriend, a resident of Macomb County. He then sued the ex-boyfriend, receiving a default judgement and injunctive order, meaning he must destroy all content, cannot republish it, and must remove everything published from the internet, in Oakland County Circuit Court in front of Judge Martha Anderson. Lindsay was awarded $500,000. “She has a massive sense of relief now that the content is off the internet, and she has this judgement,” Bristow said. While she hasn't
received any money yet, he said the judgement can't be discharged in bankruptcy, it accrues interest, and she can apply for a writ of garnishment, and seize money in his bank account or his tax refunds to satisfy the judgement. Revenge porn is a new category of cyber transgressions that the law, both criminal and civil, is working to catch up with. In 2013, only two states, California and New Jersey, had laws making revenge porn illegal; by the end of 2016, 34 states and the District of Columbia – including Michigan – had created laws criminalizing the posting of nude or sexual photos or videos posted online without an individual's consent. A federal law, called the Intimate Privacy Protection Act, spearheaded by Rep. Jackie Spear of California, was introduced in 2016, would have made it a crime to distribute nonconsensual pornography. It died in the last session of Congress. Michigan's law, passed in April 2016 after a few legislative attempts, does not go after the websites or domaines, but after the individual who posts the incriminating and non-consensual images, on a computer or other electronic device or medium of communication such as a cell phone. It is a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than 93 days in jail and or a maximum fine of $500. A second and subsequent violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than a year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. The law is very specific on what constitutes revenge porn, and how someone is targeted and vilified, with several steps needing to be met before qualifying for prosecution, including that the “person is identifiable from the sexually explicit visual material or information displayed...The person obtains the sexually explicit visual material of the other person under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand...was to remain private; The person knows or reasonably should know that the other person did not consent to the dissemination of the sexually explicit visual material...'Sexually explicit visual material' means a photograph or video that depicts nudity, erotic fondling, sexual intercourse, or sadomasochistic abuse.” Yet, while everyone recognizes that it is an act that is morally wrong, as efforts grow to combat revenge porn and the efforts to post nonconsensual pornography, civil libertarians, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) question First Amendment rights of the perpetrators. “Our main concern is that there are other laws that can be used to deal with libel and slander. We had to look at privacy and speech, issues we care deeply about,” said Shelley Weisberg, political director, ACLU of Michigan. “This kind of revenge porn is not something we would like to see, but we have to be careful of what we criminalize. We cannot be frivolous about what free speech means. On the one hand, Americans want a free internet – on the other hand, we want privacy.” Those who deal intimately with victims of revenge porn, also known as involuntary pornography, disagree with that stance. Their viewpoint is that victims' lives are being destroyed, and perpetrators should not be protected because it is not a civil liberties issue.
W
eisberg of the ACLU said they worked with the legislature to help craft a statute that “was as constructive as possible. We did not support it; we went neutral,” she said. “We don't want to support new criminal laws unless there is a clear infringement of fundamental civil rights that cannot be addressed by existing law. (Here, there is) an unmistakably clear definition of who bears the burden of proving that a disclosure was nonconsensual.” If the law were to only prohibit the publishing of a photo without the consent of the targeted individual, an argument could be sustained as an invasion of privacy issue, said constitutional law expert Robert Sedler of Wayne State University Law School. Arizona's revenge porn bill was struck down as unconstitutional after an ACLU lawsuit. “If these are designed to protect a person's privacy, it should
withstand a First Amendment challenge. If it is focused on the issue of targeted harm of an individual, it does not create a First Amendment issue,” Sedler said. “When it gets into broader language, then it creates a bit of a challenge constitutionally.” Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), who sponsored the revenge porn legislation with Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren), had tried to pass this legislation the year before, and acknowledged he made the compromise to make it a misdemeanor in order to get it passed in the state House of Representatives. Noting the importance of getting the revenge porn law passed, Jones said, “We had heard of many cases of boyfriends/girlfriends or married couples who broke up, and one person used it to control the other's behavior. I had also spoken to a law student whose life was basically ruined when an ex-boyfriend sent photos to all of her law professors and friends. She felt she couldn't go anywhere, and was afraid to apply for a job. We wanted to do something to get revenge porn fixed and stopped.” Paul Walton, chief deputy prosecutor in the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, said, “We may use this law, or we may not, because revenge porn is a misdemeanor, and it's terribly shocking to the victim. By the time they get to the point to contact the police and prosecute, they come in as true victims. They're humiliated. They're devastated. Then they learn it's a misdemeanor, and their ex, who did this to them, is going to walk out the same door as they are. It's terribly disheartening.” Walton said that while they have this new law, they are still opting to bring other charges. “We may look at stalking, for example,” he said. “That can be a one-year misdemeanor, or a five-year felony. There are also some computer related charges that are five-year felonies. There is also posting through electronic means, which can include revenge porn, and that is a felony,” he said, which can result in two to five years in jail. He likes that, he said, “because it generally encompasses the same behavior, but it has an emotional component that is useful, and it goes further. We can use it together with the other charges, or with using a computer to commit a crime, which is a five-year felony. While they serve concurrently, it can influence the court in sentencing.”
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harlevoix County Prosecutor Greg Justis prosecuted a Bloomfield Hills man on a revenge porn case in 2015 against a Charlevoix County woman. The Oakland County man posted several nude photos of his former girlfriend to a revenge porn website after they broke up, and then violated a personal protection order she obtained against him in Charlevoix County. Justis said the revenge porn legislation did not exist at that time, “but clearly he did it to shame his victim, and intended to terrorize and harass.” The biggest problem with the revenge porn statute, according to Justis, is that it is a misdemeanor. “Revenge porn is a tool of control, to shame and harass and intimidate a victim. It is not a means of entertainment like traditional pornography. The new (Michigan) statute did not use that language,” he said. However, he acknowledged it can be useful when used in conjunction with other statutes. “Legislation like this brings great awareness and advocacy along with it. This legislation was worked on by so many people, and that's an enormously important thing. Revenge porn (statute) addresses the seriousness and the depth of violence that is violated.” The case involving the Bloomfield Hills man ultimately did not end up going to trial in 2016, as scheduled, even though he violated the PPO again and reposted more images to another revenge porn site, Justis said, because of logistical and emotional concerns for the victim, who was then a college student, “who felt shamed and victimized. We worked out a deferral agreement with the defendant in exchange for his going to a specific counselor, and he had to complete it. We had the victim agree to this.”
While most revenge porn is posted by a former partner, it can also happen by hackers, or a computer repairman who is working on a computer and releases the images, attorney Bristow said, or “even when a new girlfriend sees it and in jealousy releases it.” The Communications Decency Act, also known as Section 230, shields websites and service providers from liability for content posted by users, providing they are not the ones that have co-created the content. If the content doesn't violate any copyright or federal criminal laws, the sites are not obligated under Section 230 to remove the content. And ironically, an estimated 80 percent of the photos and videos posted to sites are taken by the victims themselves – in the form of selfies.
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eputable social media sites have all become very aware of Section 230, and the potential liability it implies. “Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, they're all reputable and will readily remove content within 24 hours of notifying them that involuntary pornography has been posted,” Bristow said. Further, “if you notify Google that something is involuntary pornography, they'll often immediately remove it from their search engine.” Removal from a search engine is critical to victims, as it removes the opportunity for internet users to continue to find the revenge porn through searches. Bristow said he encourages victims to register their photos and videos with the federal copyright office, because copyright infringement is a federal infringement, and a suit against the perpetrators can be brought in federal court. “Then, when you sue for copyright damages, it's a criminal offense, and there are statutory offenses.” Elisa D'Amico, founder of Cyber Civil Rights Legal Projects and a litigator with K&L Gates law firm in Miami, said if someone is not suing in federal court, a selfie doesn't need to have a copyright – it's your image, and you can request removal based on a copyright violation. If someone else took the photograph, “You can request the photographer to assign copyright notice to the individual, and they will often agree – even the perpetrator will often agree, at least they will once a lawyer gets involved. For most victims, they just want the images down.” She recommends victims have a Google alert set up by their name, which will ping when something comes up by their name or image. “That way they can find out if their images have been copied or reposted to another website, even if they've been told it's been taken down,” noting the internet is “the gift that keeps giving. “Pornography is supposed to be something that is enjoyable – it's not taboo anymore,” D'Amico noted. “What we're talking about isn't enjoyable. It's meant to hurt, humiliate, destroy someone else. It's also called sexual cyber harassment, sextortion, or cyber exploitation.” Walton said that is because revenge porn “is not sexual – it's a control issue. Anytime you're trying to reach across and hurt someone physically or emotionally, it's about control. Why else would you do it?” Many revenge porn websites are hosted outside the United States, in Somalia, Columbia, eastern Europe, or the Caribbean, and can be hard for victims to go after. Many sites permit visitors to leave comments, which tend to be sexual, crude, insulting, and vindictive, intensifying the victim's shame. A few of the sites have asked the victims for money in exchange for removing the victims – extorting them, in essence – and then failing to remove the images. “It's a little bit of whack a mole or cat and mouse,” acknowledged D'Amico, agreeing that all the major social media and technology companies are on board with ridding themselves of the images as soon as they're notified. “If you do something dumb as a young adult, you can't get it off, but if it's something without consent, the search engines are all onboard as improper violations.” Some men are even targeted for extortion, by women out of the
Philippines, according to experts, where they are communicating over the internet, and are asked to take off their clothes and take a photo. The men are then extorted to send money by wire or they are told they will have the images posted where people they know can see them. D'Amico advises them to shut off their social media and not pay their extorters, who will see it as an entree to continue their extortion efforts. “So often these revenge porn internet sites are hosted overseas; the domaines are even hosted overseas, so they're very hard to go after,” Bristow said. “An ex-boyfriend will post something onto one of these websites, and also post the victim's name, address, employer's information, and when people are victimized in this way, they're subjected to tremendous emotional torment. They can lose their job, have their career derailed because people don't want to hire them because of what's on the internet. There are safety issues because people will go after them; relationships are lost. Viewers will forward the photos to a victim's employers and family members. It's a form of trolling. And when you're on one revenge porn site, it's very common for other revenge porn sites to republish their image, so one becomes two, which becomes four, which becomes eight. One person contacted me who was on dozens and dozens of websites. It just manifests itself.” While removing the images from websites and the internet is difficult, Bristow said it is not impossible “because there is always a money trail and a paper trail. It might take a while, but I can find them.” D'Amico said there are forms to get the images down, even if they are difficult to navigate, which she and other attorneys familiar with the process can help victims with. “We're taking down the bridge, so we're taking down the ability for people to get there.”
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alton from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that individuals “especially in affluent Oakland County, have an identity, and an online identity, and that online identity can invade their regular identity. In a digital world, the reality is that nothing is ever gone. These selfies you are putting out there, you can take them down, but they're there. Your online personality influences all aspects of your life. It's not just a digital reality when you get denied a job because of that online identity.” A key problem for those who have been victimized by revenge porn, who are primarily women in their twenties and thirties, is that they are blamed for having taken the photographs in the first place. Another is that law enforcement often does not support them, even when there are valid laws, thereby revictimizing them. “Victims are often blamed – 'You shouldn't have taken the photos in the first place; you shouldn't have given the photographs – even if you didn't give them,” said D'Amico. “Law enforcement would enforce better if they knew more. Some law enforcement officers literally don't know anything about revenge porn laws.” Samantha (not her real name), 23, discovered that when she went to Chesterfield Township police after her former boyfriend of three years, “who I thought was someone I knew, that I loved,” made a sex tape of the two of them after she expressly told him she didn't want to. “We were having sex one night (in July 2016) and he decided to film me without asking me or telling me nothing – so clearly he could not have consent,” Samantha said. “We had had multiple discussions about making a sex tape, and each time I told him I wasn't comfortable and it wasn't something I wanted to do, so he was aware I wasn't OK with it. “After he filmed it, he told me. I told him to delete it, and he wouldn't. He didn't show it to me. It was on his phone, and he showed me it existed.” She said she was profoundly uncomfortable, and didn't know what
to do. “I was very embarrassed. A few days later we broke up. At that time, I begged him to delete the video and he said it was gone, and I didn't have to worry about it.”
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ut in reality, Samantha did have a lot to worry about. She just didn't know it until Thanksgiving. Now living in the Kalamazoo area, she returned to Macomb County, and decided to stop by and visit her ex, with whom she had once again become
friendly. “I asked him if I could use his computer to play a video game,” Samantha recalled. “When I went on, I found the original video (of the sex tape), and multiple edited versions. I wasn't on his computer looking for this – I just happened on it. I confronted him about it, and I told him it was illegal because he filmed it without my consent. He said it wasn't – 'It's my video and you have no control over it.'” She repeatedly begged him to delete the video, even trying to delete it herself from his computer, when he physically restrained her and turned off the computer. “I thought I could reason with him. I loved him. I thought he respected me, and if I reasoned with him, he would relent and delete it,” she recalled. Toying with her, he told her he would delete it – but not in front of her, and that he couldn't know all of the places where it was appearing. Eventually, she attempted to make a police report in Chesterfield Township, but received no cooperation. Living in Kalamazoo County, she sought help there, and received assistance from a detective who took her under his wing – but ultimately, couldn't fully assist her. “The detective said since I couldn't prove the video wasn't consensual, they couldn't prosecute it,” she said. She said the detective said her best bet was to call the ex-boyfriend and let him know he would be in serious trouble if the video got out. “He sent the detective a video of himself deleting the video from his computer – it's in evidence,” Samantha said. But then she discovered that rather than deleting the video, he had sent the sex tape of her out to friends via Facebook Messenger. Still feeling a lack of responsiveness from law enforcement, she finally contacted Kyle Bristow, the attorney who helped Lindsay, who served her ex-boyfriend with papers on January 14, 2017. “He immediately texted me, 'I'd like to talk.' I told him any communication has to go through my attorney. He's manipulative and I can't trust him,” Samantha said. Samantha and Bristow are seeking a minimum of $25,000 in damages and an injunctive relief, where the ex-boyfriend will have to destroy the video, all copies, and never distribute any images of it again, or go to jail. “I want a clear message sent to him, his friends, anyone, I'm not messing around,” Samantha said. While monetary damages would be helpful – “It's embarrassing to ask family members for money to pay for an attorney for a sex tape” – what she most wants is for the sex tape, and any and all copies and images to be completely gone. “I want it to be over. I'm a recent college graduate; I have student loans, and I don't want this to affect my career. I've had mental health issues from this, panic attacks – it all adds up,” Samantha disclosed. “He was my first serious relationship.” Clearly, the optimum way to combat revenge porn is to never take a nude photograph, or have one taken. But that is not reality for many people. D'Amico said a more effective outcome begins with education, to continue to teach kids how quickly information can be spread. “You can't tell them not to take these photos. The ones at fault aren't the ones who created the photographs, but the ones who share them or distribute them without permission,” she emphasized. “You have to stop blaming the victim, and focus on who the bad actors are.”
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FACES Amy Whipple and Carrie Schochet ochester Hills sisters Amy Whipple and Carrie Schochet first got involved with fundraising campaigns in 2000, when their aunt was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. Since then, the siblings have helped to raise nearly $2 million for charity. More recently, the sisters have started to work together to create a professional recruiting business in Troy, but are continuing to collaborate in fundraising efforts to benefit non-profit companies. In 2013, Whipple worked with other women in the Greater Rochester area to form a local chapter of 100 Women Who Care, which benefits local non-profit charities. This year, the sisters are collaborating on an extension of the concept with the launch of the greater Rochester area 100 Businesses Who Care. "My brother and I organized a team of (bicycle) riders for three years in a row to ride from Boston to New York, called the Tri-State Trek," Schochet said of earlier fundraising efforts. "I had never ridden a road bike before, but I heard it was a good way to raise money, so I went out, bought a bike and organized a team of riders." Meanwhile, Whipple was working with family members in the metro Detroit area, including volunteering with the ALS Therapy Development Institute, where she raised more than $1.6 million in memory of her aunt through annual gala events, walks, cookbooks, wine tastings and other events. "That really laid the groundwork and foundation for our giving," Whipple said. "And that laid the foundation of realizing what the impact of money can do for a non-profit." Whipple's volunteer work eventually led to a position with the ALS Institute. By 2013, she had left her work at ALS and was back in Rochester Hills, raising her own family not far from the home where she was raised. It was then that she was approached by two of her mother's friends who asked her to start a local chapter of 100 Women Who Care. "At first, I wasn't on board," Whipple said. "I had done so much fundraising and was exhausted, but they told me about the idea, and it just spread like wildfire." Initially started in Jackson, Michigan, 100 Women Who Care aims to gather 100 women who are able to donate $100, four times a year. Members attend quarterly meetings where each woman nominates a charity of their choosing to receive the quarterly donation. Three nominations are drawn from a hat, with each nominated woman given a chance to describe the charity. The women then vote on which of the three to choose, and the funds go to help that non-profit. Whipple said non-profits that are picked must agree to attend the subsequent meeting to talk about how the funds were used. The process, she said, gives donors intimate knowledge of how the money is used. "When they told me about it, I thought it was beautifully simple," Whipple said. Today, the group has about 255 members, with each donating every quarter. Whipple said many men and businesses in the community began asking about how they could get involved with the group. Because members are individual women, Whipple and Schochet this year are launching an extension of the concept, called 100 Businesses Who Care. "Business leaders, owners and individual donors together are asked twice a year for a $500 donation," Whipple said. "We want a networking component with it, but the format is very much the same."
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
MUNICIPAL City accepts Auburn Road Corridor Study By Kevin Elliott
A plan to redevelop the Auburn Road Corridor in Rochester Hills that includes a $2.4 million investment in road improvements in the city's Brooklands neighborhood was unanimously accepted on Monday, January 23, by city council members. Key goals of the study include calming and strengthening the overall district, between S. Adams and Dequindre roads, as a destination in the city; redesigning the corridor to improve traffic and pedestrian safety; creating transitions between residential and commercial neighborhoods; and encouraging reinvestment by the city and property owners. The study, which includes a market analysis, along with design and transportation recommendations for the corridor, was headed up by Columbus, Ohio-based MKSK planners and design consultants. The study also included input from city staff, the planning commission, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), business and property owners in the area, a special steering committee, residents of the area, and the general public. In addition to several public open house meetings and a three-month long, online survey, city council and planning commissioners met in September to discuss the study. A final draft of the plan was recommended for approval in December by the city' planning commission. The final approved plan will be incorporated into the city's long-term capital improvement plan and master land use plans. Rochester City councilwoman Susan Bowyer said she moved to the Brooklands area, or the area between Dequindre and Culbertson roads, in the early 1980s when she first relocated to Rochester Hills. "To go to that area now, and see that it hasn't changed since the early '80s is amazing," she said. "The city is changing, and that area needs to start redeveloping." Bowyer said residents and businesses there would appreciate improvements that would result in increased home values and interest in the area. Rochester Hills resident and former council member Scot Beaton commended the council and staff on the study, noting that past studies to enhance the corridor failed to gain 36
Parking rules relaxed at some restaurants estaurants in Rochester that serve alcohol but don't have a dedicated bar area for serving or displaying alcohol will have more relaxed parking requirements under an ordinance amendment approved by city council on Monday, February 13. The ordinance amendment was adopted by unanimous vote, following a first reading of the ordinance on December 12. Prior to the amendment, the city's code required restaurants that serve alcohol to provide one off-street parking space per 100 square feet of overall floor area, while restaurants that don't serve alcohol must provide one off-street parking space per 150 square feet of area. Under the proposed ordinance, restaurants that only provide alcohol by way of table service, without a bar area, would be required to provide one off-street parking space for every 145 square feet of floor area. Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing said the issue was first discussed at the city's planning commission, after a representative from a local business asked commissioners to re-evaluate the ordinance. "The idea is that if you have alcohol, customers will be sitting there longer, and the business will need more parking spots," Wing said. Restaurants may pay the city in-lieu of a parking spot for use of the city's parking structure, if the restaurant is unable to provide adequate off-street parking on its own property or through an agreement with a nearby property owner. Wing said the current price per in-lieu-of spot by the city is about $12,000. Only one current restaurant, Rochester Brunch House, at 301 Walnut Boulevard, would be impacted by the proposed ordinance, reducing the number of spots required from three to one. However, the ordinance amendment is likely to impact new or expanding businesses in the future.
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any traction. Part of the issue, he said, has been disagreement between city planners and MDOT on parking and traffic calming measures along Auburn Road. "This city planner has done a brilliant job of convincing MDOT that we need some on-street parking to make it walkable," Beaton said. Because Auburn Road is a stateowned roadway, any changes to the right-of-way or other traffic calming measures require approval from MDOT. However, the plan calls for infrastructure work on the road to be funded by the city. Brad Strader, a senior associate with MKSK who presented the study to council, said MDOT also has changed its design concepts to support designs that slow traffic, including some forms of on-street parking, that would support commercial areas. While some council and members of the public took issue with some details of the study, including the possibility of road closures in the area, council and city administration urged accepting the plan "as is," agreeing that specifics could be hashed out during the implementation process that will take place over several years. "I understand and respect different opinions, but I suggest you challenge
our team, myself included, with making and designing some great place-making opportunities," Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said. "I don't think there's anyone who's not excited about some of the drawings that are here... if we want to see something different there, we are going to have to do something different."
Grant from Scotts for Riverbend Park Plans for a sensory garden at Rochester Hills' Riverbend Park, 2800 W. Hamlin Road, will be realized with the help of a $40,000 grant from Scotts Miracle Gro, the city administration said recently. The city was selected to receive the $40,000 GRO1000 Award, which provides monetary support and inkind donations to help develop the planned 5,000 square foot garden, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said. The garden, a key feature of the park's plan, will be comprised of two different areas, including a student designed and maintained space, as well as a professionally designed sensory garden. The garden will include areas devoted to local schools, providing the opportunity to
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learn the elements of ecology such as native plants, soil erosion and pollination. The garden will also include a natural elements playground next to the garden, which will be designed to cater to the needs of children with special needs. "We are excited to see the strong support the park is receiving in our community and at the national level," Barnett said. "I look forward to working with Scotts Miracle Gro to provide this innovative outdoor classroom for our residents." Barnett has worked with community members and donors to acquire outside funds to develop the park. "We believe that gardens and greenspaces have the power to positively transform our cities," said Jim Hagedorn, Scotts Miracle Gro chairman and CEO. Plans for the 114-acre park include about $800,000 in improvements for 2017, in addition to millions more in future years. The park is the first in the city to be developed within the past two decades.
2941 Street Foods liquor license okayed Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, January 23, unanimously approved a conditional use permit request and Class C liquor license transfer by 2941 Street Foods, 87 W. Auburn Road. Opened in 2015 by Jacques Von Standen, the fast-casual restaurant specializes in modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Named for the geographic coordinates from where many of the foods originate, the restaurant has built a strong customer base in the city, helping to attract additional business to neighboring and nearby merchants, Rochester Hills Planning Director Ed Anzek said. Currently, the restaurant serves beer and wine, but would like to offer other alcoholic beverages in the future, he said. Under the city ordinance adopted in 2015, any liquor license in the city requires a conditional use permit from the city. Council members voted unanimously to approve the conditional use permit. Council also approved the transfer of a Class C Liquor License from a restaurant from outside the city, approval for which the owner has already obtained from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Rochester Hills City Clerk Tina Barton said the transfer of the liquor 03.17
Rochester to recoup costs for events By Kevin Elliott
he cost to hold some events in the city of Rochester may increase for some organizations under changes to the city's special events ordinance approved on Monday, February 13, by Rochester City Council members. Discussions about amending the ordinance started in November as council members began looking for ways to recoup costs incurred by the city to host special events throughout the year. Asked by council to provide information about the costs, Rochester Police Chief Steven Schettenhelm in December said the city incurred about $178,633 in costs to support special events in 2013 through 2015. Those costs included support from the city's police, fire and public works departments. Under the current ordinance and fee structure, for-profit organizations must pay 100 percent of actual costs incurred by the city to support an event; non-profit organizations must pay 10 percent of costs incurred by the city that exceeds $1,000; and there is no cost reimbursement for events sponsored by the city, the Downtown Development Authority or the Principal Shopping District. Council approved a new fee schedule on Monday that will raise the reimbursement costs for non-profit organizations, and cap the city's contribution for city-sponsored events at $40,000 annually. Under the city's new fee schedule, which will go into effect on January 1, 2018, non-profit organizations will be required to reimburse the city for 75 percent of all costs the city incurs that are over $100. Among the non-profit organizations expected to be impacted by the change is the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. Tami Salisbury, executive director for the Center, said in December that the change could have a significant impact on the event. Under the current rate structure, the city incurred a cost of about $18,522 to support the event in 2015, of which the city was reimbursed about $1,752. Under the new rate structure, reimbursement would have been about $13,816. Salisbury said the increase could cause the center to cancel the event in future years, particularly if weather conditions hamper attendance. Maggie Bobitz, events coordinator for the Rochester Regional Chamber, also in December, asked city council members to consider grandfathering some "signature events" into the proposed fee structure to limit reimbursements by some organizations. Council in previous discussions had considered including "signature events" in the ordinance, or those that call for substantial support from city departments. The initial intent of the classification was to limit other events scheduled within the city during major events, such as the Arts and Apples, Fire and Ice, Big Bright Light Show and Christmas Parade. However, council in previous discussions rejected the signature event classification in favor of a broader ordinance. Council approved the new fee structure by a vote of 5-2, with council members Stuart Bikson and Ann Peterson voting against the new fees. Both Peterson and Bikson voiced concern at previous meetings that the fees would limit events that have a greater impact on the city and its economy. Salisbury in December told council members that the Arts and Apples event has a total impact of about $2.6 million to the greater Rochester area, based on a study conducted in conjunction with Oakland University. She said the event accounts for about 65 percent of the organization's total funding, which comes 100 percent from fundraising events. Changes to the fee structure also include a change in fee amounts for applications to hold special events. Under the new application fee rates, the application fee for the first year an event is held will be $100, but reduced to $75 for each subsequent year of the same event. Both the reimbursement fee and the application fee structures will be incorporated into the existing ordinance without further discussion or vote by council members. Council members also approved the first reading of an amendment to the special event ordinance to require organizations to provide tax documentation and a GuideStar report in the application process, if available. The additional requirements provide the city with financial information about the non-profit organizations when considering whether or not to approve a special event. Council voted 6-1 to approve the first reading of the ordinance amendment, with councilwoman Peterson voting against the amendment. Peterson said she believes organizations should include only relevant tax information and not a GuideStar report.
T license will not impact the city's last remaining quota license.
Council approves landmark properties By Kevin Elliott
Rochester City Council members on Monday, January 23, were sharply divided on what some members viewed as private property owners' rights, voting 4-3 to add three locations to the city's Historic Landmark Property designation list. The division stems from a 2014 historic preservation ordinance that intends to safeguard historic locations in the city through historic districts. In its study of such locations in Rochester, a committee identified a dozen addresses that, while short of being added to a protected historic district, were deemed to have potential historic value, as Landmark Properties. Those included on the list allow the city to take potential actions to protect the properties if they are threatened. Actions may include a public hearing to include such properties into a historic district. In other words, the city may "keep an eye on these properties" without including requiring any action, city attorney Jeffrey Kragt said at a November city council meeting. City council in November delayed adding five properties to the list after receiving objections from some property owners whose buildings were included on the list before council at that time. Council agreed to provide additional time to those owners to provide historical evidence that their properties not be included. On January 23, council members were presented with three properties for consideration, including 203 E. University Drive, known as the former Michigan Central Train Depot; 400-404 S. Main, known as the Masonic Block, or former Masonic Temple building; and 303. E. University, site of the city's historic grain elevator. Council members took individual votes on each of the three properties, approving each by a vote of 4 to 3, with council members Stuart Bikson, Ann Peterson and mayor pro tem Kim Russell voting no on each. Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin said the locations aren't being included in a district by being included on the list. Councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson also said the landmark designation is in agreement with the city's ordinance. Bikson said he felt including the properties on the list infringed on the owners' rights. "I disagree â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they want out," Bikson said of the owners who
objected. "Government is reaching into their property and putting standards on it." Remaining property proposed to be included on the list will be addressed at the council's February 13 meeting.
City okays budget for tree planting Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, February 6, authorized spending up to $225,000 in 2017 for tree plantings throughout the city in conjunction with the city's forestry division operation and two street tree planting programs. The city's forestry division contracts for the planting of trees along city roads, in parks and at other facilities, as well as with the city of Rochester Hills tree planting program and the subdivision tree planting program. The city's subdivision tree planting program started in 1979, after the adoption of an ordinance that requires developers of all new subdivisions to provide funds for one street tree to be planted by the city in front of each new home. Funds for the program are held by the city in an escrow account until the new homes are completed and occupied. The city's forestry division then includes the property in the planting project. The second program was started in 2015 as the city's tree planting program. That program stems from the city's 1988 tree conservation ordinance, and utilizes the city's tree fund account to plant trees along public streets and public properties throughout the city. Tree fund revenues are acquired from payments by developers and builders in lieu of planting replacement trees for regulated trees that are removed or damaged during construction. The program offers free street trees to property owners who make adequate room and meet the ordinance requirements on the public right-ofway adjacent to their property. Council unanimously approved a one-year extension of its existing contract with Lawn Maintenance, Inc., Sherman Nursery Farms, of Columbus, Michigan. The contract will continue to offer the city the same pricing as 2016. Forestry Operations manager Gerry Lee said Sherman Nursery Farms was selected as the best value for the city, based on sources of plant stock, the ability to offer the most variety of trees for purchase, and qualifications of personnel. The company was selected from three proposals received by the city and evaluated by the forestry division.
Lee said the division is approved for the planting of up to 500 trees through 2020. No general fund money is used to support the two tree planting programs.
12-year tax break for Molex expansion
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A global electronic and fiber optic connection manufacturer will be investing more than $16 million in a new business unit headquarters to be located in Rochester Hills, following the approval of a 12-year tax abatement for Molex, LLC, by Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, January 23. Based in Lisle, Illinois, Molex provides electronics solutions and connector products in the automotive, telecom, medical, defense industries, and other fields. In 2014, the company located its global headquarters or its transportation and industrial solutions division to Auburn Hills. However, Molex representative Dawson Schiller, business unit director, said expansion of the unit and projected growth led Molex to purchase an existing building at 3499 W. Hamlin Road, in Rochester Hills. Molex plans to build a $16 million addition to the existing building, which will allow for its operations to move from its Auburn Hills location, as well as the addition of about 80 to 100 new jobs over the next five years. The relocation will mean about 292 jobs will be moving from Auburn Hills to Rochester Hills, to the former VW building, which has been vacant for about five years. Molex will expand the building from about 128,000 square feet to 143,000 square feet, which is about 50 percent larger than its current facility in Auburn Hills. The space will allow for an expanded research and development lab, expanded green space, and include a fitness center, green roof, and electric car charging stations. Schiller said the plan will allow Molex to better attract and retain talent in the area, and supports the company's 10-year growth plan. City council members approved the establishment of an industrial development district at the location, which is required under state law for a municipality to approve the associated tax abatement. Council also approved a 12-year Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate, or tax abatement on real property. Both measures were approved by a vote of 6 to 0, with councilman Kevin Brown recusing himself from the vote, as he noted he works for a direct competitor of Molex.
Rochester Hills Economic Development Manager Pam Valentik said the tax abatement doesn't apply to taxes on the land or existing building, but only for the planned building addition. In total, the abatement is expected to provide a savings of about $120,000 to Molex over 12 years, while providing about $2.5 million in tax revenue for the city and all other taxing units. "This abatement is on dollars on what the city isn't currently receiving," said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. "This will kick over about $1.2 million over 12 years to Rochester schools, without adding a single student."
Green project selects twelve schools A dozen schools in the Rochester school district have been selected as finalists for the 2017 Green Schools Program that allows schools to earn money for special green projects. Rochester Community Schools have been longtime participants in Recyclebank's Green School Program, earning the district more than $50,000 to implement projects that include outdoor learning centers, the incorporation of recycling bins, water refilling stations and other projects. This year's program will include 12 schools in the district. Schools selected for the program compete against others across the country to receive Recyclebank points. Schools then receive $1 for every 250 points donated. Individuals earn points through Recyclebank's website by participating in green actions, such as taking online quizzes designed to educate participants or conducting actions on their own. Individuals can then donate their points to a school of their choice. Each participating school submits project proposals, with a budget of up to $2,500. Rochester schools selected as finalists for the 2017 program include Brewster Elementary; Brooklands Elementary; Hamlin Elementary; Hampton Elementary; Long Meadow Elementary; North Hill Elementary; Rochester Adams High School; Rochester High School; Stony Creek High School; University Hills; Van Hoosen Middle School; and West Middle School. Rochester Adams High School's EcoClub has already reached its goal and will use their funding for 36 new recycling bins and a recycling station to collect batteries and printer cartridges. "Thanks to the generosity of our
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residents, Rochester Hills broke Green Schools records last year by receiving over $25,000 for projects," said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett.
NO-HAZ Budget approved by council Rochester Hills city council members on Monday, February 6, approved spending up to $45,000 to participate in Oakland County's Household Hazardous Waste Program in 2017. Participation by Rochester Hills residents is the highest of all communities involved in the program. The continued growth in participation resulted in a slight increase in the city's cost to join in the NO-HAZ program in 2017. Of the 14 communities participating in Oakland County's Household Hazardous Waste Program, Rochester Hills continues to have the largest resident program participation, comprising 25 percent of the total participants, Rochester Hills Director of Building and Facilities Scott Cope said in a purchase agreement request to city council members. The program is intended to provide residents with a safe way to dispose of household hazardous waste that isn't permitted to be included in weekly trash or recycling programs. To meet rising costs associated with the program, Cope recommended city council at its February 6 meeting to approve increasing the amount budgeted to participate in the program from $38,000 in 2016 to $45,000 in 2017. The request is part of the city's interlocal agreement with Oakland County, which oversees the program. The city has participated in the county's NO-HAZ program for the past 14 years. Costs to the city to participate in the program peaked in 2009 at $102,644. In 2010, the city, along with some other communities utilizing the program, implemented a $10-per-vehicle resident fee to defer increasing costs. The total cost to participate in the 2017 program is estimated at $43,690, including a administration fee of $4,734, based on population, as well as an additional administration fee of $5,718, which is based on participation. Costs include a hazardous waste fee of $45,946, and a credit of $12,710, which is accounted for by the per-vehicle fee. The budget request also includes a contingency of $1,309, for a total not to exceed $45,000. Council unanimously approved the request as part of the February 6 consent agenda, with councilwoman Susan Bowyer abstaining from voting. 03.17
PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Rochester area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.
Rochester/Rochester Hills 112 Pizzeria Bistro: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2528 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6164. 2941 Street Food: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 87 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4583. Alex’s of Rochester: Italian, Greek, & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.2288. Antoniou’s Pizza: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 918 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.650.2200. Avery’s Tavern: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2086 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.270.4030. B Spot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001. Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841. Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.218.5114. Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1411. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.601.7777. Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.3300. Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999. Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.0665. Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406. Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450. Chicken Shack: BBQ. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 213 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1100. Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.5281. Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village
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of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047. Chomp Deli & Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 888.342.2497. CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3260 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.293.2800. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. Clubhouse BFD (Beer-Food-Drink): American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6093. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1418 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.266.6226. Downtown Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 606 N. Main, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.6680. East Side Mario’s: Italian. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2273 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.853.9622. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.606.4519. Famous Dave’s: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2945 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.852.6200. Firehouse Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1480 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.9200. Also 3044 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.7827. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483. Ganbei Chinese Restaurant & Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6687. Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Italian. 117 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.2882. Gold Star Family Restaurant: American & Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 650 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.652.2478. Golden Eagle: American. Lunch, Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1447 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6606. Grand Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 12 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.1350. Half Day Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3134 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.1330. Hamlin Pub: American. Breakfast, Sundays. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1988 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.7700. Hibachi House Bar & Grill: Japanese Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 335 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6055. Honey Tree Grille: Mediterranean. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2949 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.237.0200. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 W. University Drive, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3527.
SERVING DINNER 6 DAYS, BRUNCH ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY. PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES.
The Meeting House is a neighborhood restaurant focusing on seasonal cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with warm, thoughtful service and genuine hospitality. Featuring craft cocktails, MI craft beer, and an approachable wine list.
301 South Main Street Rochester 48307
248-759-4825
www.themeetinghouserochester.com Follow Us On Facebook And Instagram
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Johnny Black Public House: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4479. Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.844.8900. King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333. Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.0089. Kruse & Muer In the Village: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651. Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.656.9002. Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9862. Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707. Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8441. Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066. Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234. Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills. 248.375.5999. Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900. Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6534. Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.5000. North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.3366. O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard,
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Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960. Outback Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations, eight or more. Liquor. 1880 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.650.2521. Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4205. Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880. Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.5722. Also 2508 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.7430. Park 600 Bar & Kitchen: American. Weekend Brunch. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.2600. Paul’s on Main: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 630 N. Main Sreet., Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0066. Pei Wei: Asian Fusion. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1206 E. Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1380. Penn Station East Coast Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 146. S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.4663. Penny Black Grill & Tap: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 124 W. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1522. Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890. Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668. Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900. Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 304 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.4545. Red Lobster: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2825 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.8090. Red Olive: Mediterranean & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1194 Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0300. Rochester Bistro: American-Continental. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.923.2724. Rochester Brunch House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 301 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1600. Rochester Chop House: Steakhouse & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Rochester Diner & Grill: American, Greek & Italian. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 1416 E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill, 48309. 248.652.6737.
Rochester Mills Beer Co.: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Water Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.650.5080. Rochester Tap Room: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.650.2500. Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.9300. Sakura Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.608.3867. Shish Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 165 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5464. Shogun: Japanese. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 173 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5386. Silver Spoon Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.652.4500. Soho: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2943 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.289.1179. Sumo Sushi & Seafood: Japanese & Korean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 24 hours in advance. Liquor. 418 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.0104. Tapper’s Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 877 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.1983. Tim Hortons: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 940 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.8292. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. Tropical Smoothie Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2913 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.852.4800. Val's Polish Kitchen: Polish. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. 224 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.2660. Wayback Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1256 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5746. Also 2595 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.2717. Willoughby’s Beyond Juice: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 120 E. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1670.
Troy Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900. McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084.
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248.637.6400. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.817.2980. Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.
Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.792.3579. Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800. Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700.
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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. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. Ironwood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 6 or more. Liquor. 290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.385.0506. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.
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The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.
North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442. 248.634.5208. Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660.
Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999. Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082. The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1621. Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400.v Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner,
Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017. 248.288.0220. The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150. Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916. Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. Local Kitchen and Bar: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.5650. Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, 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.
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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. The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076. 248.559.5985. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.
West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. The Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390. 248.698.2400. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.
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03.17
FACES
Si Mo ward-winning artist and photographer, Si Mo, grew up in war-torn Vietnam before crossing the Pacific Ocean in a 25-foot wooden boat in search of freedom in the U.S. “It was a very tough way to live in (Vietnam),” he said. “I would hear the bombing every day. There was a lot of sorrow and fear.” At 12-years-old, the artist, who would later go on to win first place at the 2015 Lake Orion Art Center Annual Exhibition, used charcoal from the wood burning stove in his childhood home to create landscapes and portraits. “I’d draw on anything. I’d draw on the floor and on the street.” Mo’s father passed away during the Vietnam War and he worked to help support his family. “In Vietnam, I worked for the U.S. Army. I was a supervisor in the supply room for three years.” At age 33, Mo and his wife escaped Vietnam and traveled to the U.S. “We spent 14 hours a day in the sun,” he said. “We ran out of food, water and energy. There were powerful storms and the engine died.” Mo made four paddles using extra wood and a knife. After 17 arduous days, they reached U.S. soil. “The first thing I appreciated is the freedom,” he said. “(Freedom) is key for humans.” Mo and his wife were refugees sponsored by North Hills Christian Reformed Church in Troy. “They took very good care of us,” he said. Utilizing his aptitude for art, Mo found a position with General Motors and bought a home in Rochester. “I applied for a job as an illustrator at GM,” he said. “Over 300 artists
A
in Michigan applied for that job and they chose me. It was a very exciting moment. I worked very hard. I don’t have diploma. My skills come from nature.” In 2009, Mo retired from General Motors after 26 years with the company, and he poured himself entirely into his art. He has a studio in his Rochester home and his pieces have been displayed at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, the Michigan Fine Arts Competition and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. His portrait entitled “The Old Cham Man” earned recognition and an honorable mention at the 2016 Lake Orion Art Center Annual Exhibition. “I love art,” he said. “Any local show, I will be there.” Mo has traveled to India, Naples and Sri Lanka connecting with people and nature. “I want to be in touch with nature. I talk with the people and see how they live and how they feel.” He has also written an untitled book chronicling his escape from Vietnam. Mo intends to have the book translated to English from Vietnamese and published in the U.S. in the next year. Mo has collected as much as $1,600 at auction for his artwork, but has donated all of the proceeds. He chooses not accept money for his work. “When I draw, I don’t draw for money, pressure or sales,” he said. “I draw for the freedom in my mind.”
Story: Katey Meisner
THE LAST FARMERS IN OAKLAND • WHO'S IN THE PULPITS • RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS • OAKLAND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS • CABLE TV CHANGES
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PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDERS CHEMICALS IN MUNICIPAL WATER • THE Quality monthly• editorial print product. Augmented by weekly news updates IMMUNIZATION DEBATE • PLAN B REALITY • LOCAL POLICE DETECTIVES • REPORT at downtownpublications.com. Produced by some of the most experienced journalists. CARD ON AIR QUALITY • SCAMMING THE VULNERABLE • SECRET TRAIN CARGO Leadership on issues to local residents. CAMPAIGN CASH • TESTINGimportant THE SWIMMING BEACHES • THE JEWISH MIGRATION Track record of supporting local businesses part of CULTIVATING • YOUNG DONORS • THE STATEasOF MEDICAL MARIJUANA • CLEANING our effort to help maintain strong communities so they UP TOXIC SITES • MASS TRANSIT LITMUS TEST • DRUG MONEY FORFEITURES can reach their full potential.
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BUSINESS MATTERS The Mettle Foundry Rochester area Magnet Consulting has opened The Mettle Foundry, 455 S. Livernois Road, Suite C12, in Rochester Hills – a 12,000 square-foot professional career development center that includes an escape room designed to improve communications, problem solving, conflict management and success. The new facility features The Forge, a problem solving room similar to other escape rooms where players are locked in a room and forced to work together using elements in the room to solve a series of puzzles and escape or solve a mission within a set time limit. However, The Forge is staffed by trained behaviorists and psychologists who observe and evaluate teams and individual behavior. The sessions include a preconsultation with behavioral experts, as well as a post-Forge class to discuss concerns for the team and behavior on the team and each individual. Sandy Fiaschetti, an industrial/organizational psychologist who co-founded Magnet Consulting in 2012 with human resources professional Nicole Lentz, said their staff has decades of experience with team and leader development. “It was a natural flow for us to create a dedicated space for our clients and the community to sharpen their talents and develop more tools for success.” The Mettle Foundry also is offering an Intern Bootcamp focused on students ages 17 to 22 years old. “Here, students will have a week of simulation of ‘real work’ and receive real-time feedback on their performance,” Lentz said. “They will also learn the practical aspects of work that are so often overlooked, like office etiquette, scheduling conference calls, how to talk on that call, and much more.”
Tap Room goes local Now under new ownership, the Rochester Tap Room, 6870 N. Rochester Road, in Rochester Hills, is featuring a new menu that incorporates fare from local Rochester establishments. Originally opened in March 2015 by Missy Markevics and Mike LaBranche as a prohibition era-themed bar-restaurant, Markevics recently redesigned the menu after taking sole ownership of the business. “We listened to customers and guests who haven’t been here in some time, and redesigned a menu that has some eclectic items that are unique to Rochester Tap Room, but also those familiar foods that our community loves,” Markevics said. downtownpublications.com
The menu features a variety of food offerings, from chicken and waffles to an avocado salmon sandwich, as well as a children’s menu with $5 meals. In March, the restaurant will begin a gluten-free menu. In addition to continuing to offer more than 60 beers on tap, the Rochester Tap Room is offering items such as Knapps Donuts, which are used in the restaurant’s bread pudding, as well as other offerings of cheesecake from Dessert Oasis and cheese boards from The Cheese Lady. “Our community is tight-knit and we understand the importance of quality and giving back locally,” Markevics said. “I want people to come to know Rochester Tap Room as an extension of their own kitchen and a place to gather with family and friends.”
Handcrafted decor What started as an arts and crafts hobby has turned into a full-time business for Joy Petrone, Chrissy Burcham and Jennifer Taylor, who last month opened Sorelle Rustic Creations, 416 Main Street, in Rochester. Offering handcrafted, rustic home decor, the new shop features light fixtures, wind chimes, granite crafted items, signs, furniture and nearly anything customers may want custom crafted for their homes. Italian for “sisters,” Sorelle came from the partnership of Petrone and her two sisters-in-law, who initially started selling their crafts in Art is in Market at the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi and another at Partridge Creek. As their custom signs, candle holders, tables and other decor began expanding, the women looked to launch their own shop. “We fell in love with all the pallet projects and rustic home decor stuff, and it evolved from there,” Petrone said. “We started in the two malls, and had the dream of having our own store, and everything just fell together. We love this area. I grew up in Rochester Hills, and one of my sisters-in-law lives in Rochester Hills.” Located in the former GearBox spot, Petrone said the partners secured the shop in early January, with a grand opening scheduled toward the end of February. During that time, she said the partners, friends and family have helped to remodel the store. “It’s absolutely beautiful now, and we are getting it to where we want it,” she said.
Casual gourmet dining Gourmet breakfast and lunch served in a casual atmosphere is the concept behind the latest offering by
brothers Francesco “Franky” and Stavros Adamopoulos and their partners, who this March will be opening The Jagged Fork, 188 N. Adams, in Rochester Hills, at the Village of Rochester Hills. The restaurant is the second to be launched under the name, with The Jagged Fork, 18480 Mack Ave., in Grosse Pointe Farms, opened in March of 2014. The new location will feature much of the same offerings as the Grosse Pointe location, which serves high-end breakfast and lunch items, such as Red Velvet pancakes, stuffed French toast, an array of sweet or savory crepes, eggs Benedict, as well as special Latin fare. “It’s gourmet food, but you come in however you want to dress. It has a diner feel that’s warm and cosy, almost like being at Grandma’s house,” Franky Adamopoulos said. “It’s comfort food with a cool spin.” Adamopoulos and his brother, along with his mother, Christina, and their partner Tom Teknos also opened The Hudson Cafe, 1241 Woodward Ave., in Detroit, which follows a similar menu, while Stavros Adamopoulos has operated Zoe’s House of Pancakes, 6339 Orchard Lake Road, in West Bloomfield, for nearly a decade. Joining the partners in the second Jagged Fork location will be partner Radu Trifon. Adamopoulos said the group also is working on attaining a liquor license by the opening date to offer customers mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Irish coffee with their meals. He said while the group had been considering a location in the Rochester or Troy area for nearly two years, they settled on the Village of Rochester Hills location after a representative from The Village approached his brother at Zoe’s. “It’s nice when the universe conspires with you,” he said. “It’s a beautiful area, and the people are super nice. We are really excited and think it will be an awesome location.”
Bigalora in Rochester Napoletana-style pizza has arrived in the Rochester area with the opening of Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, 6810 N. Rochester Road, in Rochester Hills. The new store marks the sixth location for partners Chef Luciano DelSignore, Michael Collins and Michael Chetcuti, who started with their original location, initially called Pizzeria Biga, at 29110 Franklin Road, in Southfield. Additional locations include those in 711 S. Main Street, in Royal Oak, as well as locations in Ann Arbor, Ford Field, Harper
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Hospital at the Detroit Medical Center, Metro Airport, and a food truck that rolls out for special events and catering appointments. The restaurants utilize a 900-degree, wood-burning oven and fermented pizza dough. The menu also includes southern Italian pastas, small plates, soups, salads, wood-fired entrees and artisan gelatos and sorbettos.
New fitness option Certified fitness coaches are now offering group exercise classes and individual guidance at Applied Fitness Solutions, 1136 S. Rochester Road, in Rochester Hills. The gym and fitness center is third location from president Michael Stack and Rochester Hills location co-owner and managing partner Jared Freeman. Started in Ann Arbor, with a second location in Plymouth, the Rochester location is the farthest east in the state. It’s also a return to the city where Freeman and Stack first met at Oakland University. The 17,500-square foot facility offers fitness programs predicated on personal relationships, science-based evidence and purpose-driven innovation, which includes bimonthly body fat assessments, weekly nutritional guidance and progress tracking, as well as prescribed workouts and corrective exercises outside of the facility, and access to a client educational portal and personal fitness dashboard.
Auto acquisition Newcor, 715 South Boulevard, in Rochester Hills, which specializes in manufacturing high precision machined products for the automotive sector, will be acquired by CIE Automotive, an automotive supplier based in Spain. Newcor is a subsidiary of EXX Inc., based in Las Vegas, and includes Machine Tool & Gear Inc., Rochester Gear, Inc., and Deco Engineering, Inc., which provide powertrain and transmission components. Newcor operates three manufacturing facilities in Michigan, located in Clifford, Corunna and Owosso. In announcing the acquisition, Newcor said it plans to continue operating from its three existing manufacturing facilities. The acquisition allows CIE to extend its presence in the United States, the company said. 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. 45
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.
Detroit Historical Society Ball
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Detroit Historical Society Ball “This is a great send off for The Joe,” proclaimed Detroit Historical Society board president Tom Buhl. He was addressing the 465 Sally Gerak supporters ($450 & up tickets) gathered in black tie attire for dinner at the Joe Louis Arena. Affable event co-chairs Tom and Linda Wilson did the meet and greet gig as guests arrived, socialized and perused the silent auction and raffle displays. Following a splendid plated dinner, auctioneer Steve Gross got bids for 13 live auction lots, including Bobbi and Stephen Polk’s popular private dinner for eight at their home ($6,600) served by the hosts and DHS staffers. Both auctions garnered $118,000 and pledges to Adopt-aClass of DPS students brought an additional $20,000. A contingent of another 100 supporters ($100 ticket) arrived for the Afterglow, dancing and tours of the iconic Red Wings dressing room. Thanks also to sponsors, the formal farewell to the arena grossed $520,000. Souvenir bags contained a nice touch – autographed hockey pucks.
1. Linda (left) & Tom Wilson of Rochester, Terry & Maria Pryor of Beverly Hills. 2. Carlos (left), Julian and Veronica Carmona of Rochester. 3. Ryan (left), Stephen and Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield, Maryann & Bob Bury of Grosse Pointe. 4. Andrew (left) & Erika Dunlap of Birmingham, Rob & Kari Gillette of Beverly Hills.
Angels Place Dinner
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2 1. James Rosen (left) of Washington, DC, Renee & Gabe Zawaideh of Bloomfield. 2. Tom (left) & Bridgette MacLean and Judy & Frank Jonna of Bloomfield. 3. Doug North and Schuyler Hamill of Bloomfield. 4. Tim (left) & Lynn Gates and Nancy & Bill Girardot of Bloomfield.
Brave Night Pediatric Cancer Benefit The sixth annual benefit in memory of five-year-old Julian Boivin’s lost battle with brain cancer moved from Thanksgiving weekend and changed locations (Pine Lake Country Club). Good calls. It sold out (315 at $150 & up) and raised record funds. Oakland U’s award-winning a cappella group Gold Vibrations made music during the cocktail hour as guests bought silent auction items ($39,000) and raffle tickets ($10,000). Following the strolling dinner they spent $14,000 for three live auction items and pledged $28,500 to the cause. This brought the net proceeds to $115,000 for research grants through the DIPG Collaborative and pediatric brain tumor patient support at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Dan Rafferty Band kept people on the dance floor and the late-night Coney bar provided sustenance for the ride home.
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Boys & Girls Clubs Luncheon Members, guests and prospective members of the Women’s Committee convened at the Iroquois Club on MLK day to elect a slate of officers and to lunch. The WC co-chairs are Beth Moore and Sue Nine. After lunch, actress/author Cindy Williams did a Q&A with Sue Nine about her career that became really public in 1976 as the co-star of the TV sitcom “Laverne and Shirley.” She’s in town for her fourth gig at Meadow Brook Theatre, this time in “Mom’s Gift” which is getting great reviews. The comedian’s warm and spunky personality came though, especially when she shared stories about her struggle with dyslexia.
Brave Night Pediatric Cancer Benefit
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1. Nettie & Brad Boivin of Bloomfield. 2. Pat (left) & Courtney Lowman of Birmingham; Meredith & Dan Morse of Bloomfield. 3. James (left) & Andrea Guidone and Carla & Gary Glorio of Bloomfield.
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Angels Place Dinner The 24th annual Angels’ Place fundraising dinner, chaired by Tom and Bridgette MacLean and Gabe and Renee Zawaideh, attracted nearly 600 supporters ($200 - $300 tickets) to The Henry. Sipping, socializing and silent auction bidding dominated the cocktail hour. The post dinner program included a video starring residents of the 20 AP homes for people with developmental disabilities. This was followed by a salute to Rosemary Kelly and Loretta Nagle Ryan, two of the founders in attendance, led by executive director Cheryl Loveday. Guest speaker FOX News chief Washington correspondent James Rosen then greeted the crowd: “It’s good to be in God’s country...It’s humbling to be here (amidst) the self-evident good will.” In his speech, he noted that the November election represented “...a rebuke of the political classes...(and) a hunger for wit and civility.” The latter was a perfect lead into his latest book, “A Torch Kept Lit: Great Lives of the Twentieth Century” – an anthology of 50 of William F. Buckley Jr.’s eulogies which epitomize civility and good humor. The heartening evening raised more than $341,000.
The Gallery The 2017 North American International Auto Show, which closed Jan. 22 after 806,554 people had toured Cobo, actually kicked off the Saturday before
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press days with an event dubbed The Gallery. The 10th annual prestigious event brought 500 people ($500 ticket) to the MGM Grand for a chef Wolfgang Puck dinner served buffet style in the casino’s Ignite Lounge. The friendly chef himself was front and centre and not above plating one of his favorite menu items – Peking duck. After schmoozing, sipping and supping, guests strolled to the ballroom where 28 ultra-luxury cars from such makers as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari and Rolls Royce valued at more than $10 million awaited their knowledgeable inspection. They also bid generously ($32,450) for exclusive lots – experiences and products – in a silent auction that benefited C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Sponsor Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel’s Kyle Swink was also showcasing the firm’s new listing – the luxurious penthouse in the Book Cadillac Westin priced at $2,495,000. NAIAS Charity Preview Detroit’s “prom,” the largest annual single-night fundraiser in the world, attracted 12,881 ($400-ticket) to the NAIAS at Cobo Center. It raised nearly $5.2 million, bringing to more than $111 million total charity proceeds since the event was established in 1976. The beneficiaries were Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan, Boys Hope/Girls Hope, The Children’s Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Detroit PAL, Judson Center, March of Dimes and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Foundation. Many also bought tickets ($150) for the After Party at Studio 25, where the legendary Beach Boys kept the party going. Big Shots, Little STARS Some 300 Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation advocates ensured their Charity Preview night convenience and comfort by making reservations ($250) for the foundation’s donor appreciation party at the MGM Grand. It included valet parking, a welcome reception and shuttle to and from Cobo. Upon their return, many switched their party shoes for comfortable slippers, and others partook of neck and foot massages offered by MGM Spa staffers. Two party rooms – a sophisticated lounge with jazz vocals by Kimmie Horne and a casual pub with billiard tables – satisfied all tastes. Both offered open bars and strolling food stations. During a brief pause in the entertainment, new foundation president Larry Burns thanked and introduced sponsor AAA Michigan’s Joe Day. His main message was profuse praise of event chair Mable Jones. The CHMF board member retired after 34 years at AAA, but not before she founded AAA’s Free Car Seat & Safety Inspection Program in 2012. Approximately 25 percent of the $5.2 million Charity Preview proceeds were designated to CHMF. The Children’s Center AutoGlow The Children’s Center, another of the eight downtownpublications.com
Boys & Girls Clubs Luncheon
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1. Jane Moore (left), Dawn Kuhne and Sarah Cameron of Bloomfield. 2. Diane Nine (left) of Washington, DC, Sue Nine and Bev & Beth Moore of Bloomfield. 3. Connie McEwan (left) of Birmingham, Chris Toski of Clarkston, Carmen Gillespie of Plymouth. 4. Ruth Cantalini (left) of New Baltimore, Peggy Yazejian of Bloomfield.
The Gallery
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1. Chef Wolfgang Puck (left) of Los Angeles, CA, Anne, Sam and Claire Slaughter of Milford. 2. John & Beth North of Birmingham. 3. Jason (left) & Christie Verbrugghe of Rochester, Kim & Noel Thompson of Oxford. 4. Bill Hampton (left) & Tavi Fulkerson of Bloomfield, Frank Campanale of Orchard Lake.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Charity Preview beneficiaries, also staged its annual AutoGlow fundraiser before and after the “prom.” Longtime CC supporters, Lisa and Bill Ford and Jane and Mark Fields welcomed nearly 1,200 guests to the Monopoly-themed soiree where Mr. Monopoly roamed the party. Guests were photographed in jail and danced on a lifesized game board dance floor. They savored Waldorf salad at Park Place, oven-roasted salmon on Atlantic Avenue, and sweet treats galore on Boardwalk. Thanks to generous sponsors, the event netted more than $340,000 for vital services to 7,500 Detroit families.
Big Shots, Little STARS
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1. Mable Jones (center) of Detroit, Keith Mobley (left) of Birmingham and Joe Richardson of Chicago, IL. 2. Judie (left) & Larry Burns of Grosse Pointe, Carolyn Markowitz & Scott Werner of Birmingham. 3. Leslie Fleming (center) of Bloomfield, Matt (left) and Jodi Friedman of W. Bloomfield. 4. Paul (left) & Shohreh Mazzarella of Bloomfield, Dan & Beth Schrock of Birmingham.
St. Regis School Winter Ball
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1. Christi Hanzel (left) of Bloomfield, Christina Yono and Bridgette Sagmani of W. Bloomfield. 2. Tami Smith and Patti Brozek of Bloomfield. 3. Heather & Bill Venner of Bloomfield.
CARE House Circle of Friends Party
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1. Ashley Rhodes-Courter (left) of St. Petersberg, FL, Tamara Rambus of Bloomfield. 2. Carol Hanson (left) & Chuck Ludwig of Rochester Hills, Joan Young & Tom Schellenberg of Bloomfield. 3. Glen Ross of Rochester Hills, Blythe Spitsbergen of Farmington.
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St. Regis School Winter Ball It seems like yesterday that the St. Regis school fundraiser was a casual auction in the school gym. Times change. This year Bridget Sagmani and Christina Yono and their committee gave the lady guests a good excuse to dress to the nines by making it the Dream Big, Sparkle More, Shine Bright Winter Ball. The swellegant soiree attracted 310 school boosters to Shenandoah Country Club. Instead of a traditional silent auction, there was a chance raffle of 28 lots which raised $45,000 (at $10 ticket). There was also a special raffle for seven days on a fivebedroom yacht. A bell was rung 97 times, each time a $1,000 raffle ticket was sold. New school principal Katie Brydges and new parish pastor Fr. David Buersmeyer thanked all before the splendid dinner was served. Afterwards, auctioneer David Levy elicited bids totaling $30,000 for 10 lots. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the joyful evening netted more than $160,000 for the elementary school which emphasizes academics and faith. CARE House Circle of Friends Twenty-one years ago, when the agency that heals abused children was already 19 years old, a group of supporters formed the Circle of Friends to fundraise for it. That founding group included Doris August, Vicki Celani, Elyse Folton, Janet Grant, Pat Rosen, Lois Shaevsky and Dr. Linda Sircus. Their first luncheon overwhelmed the parking facilities at Bloomfield Open Hunt. The next year they added a Patron Party to the event schedule and started bringing a celebrity speaker to town for both the patron event and the next day’s luncheon, which settled happily into The Townsend Hotel. This year, board member Tamara Rambus chaired the event and got Tiffany & Company to host the Patron Party for 75 of the patrons. Like the speakers who preceded her, advocate/author Ashley Rhodes-Courter’s moving but energetic message illustrated the CARE House slogan, “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.” Her rescue from the foster care system by a volunteer after 14 placements was also a perfect reference to the day’s honoree, the very recently retired judge Joan Young. Judge Cheryl Matthews praised Young’s 03.17
invaluable support of the Court Appointed Special Advocate program. The audience of 250 ($120, $175 patron) gave both Young and Rhode-Courter standing ovations. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the event raised $75,000 for CARE House of Oakland County. Beyond Basics Benefit Luncheon Pam Good, Katana Abbott, Sandy Morrison, Judie Sherman and Elaine Swenson hosted a Hats Off birthday luncheon for Susanne Dicker Forbes that spotlighted two of the honoree’s favorite things – hats and charity. Not only was the birthday cake designed like the former, most of the 60 guests also wore hats. And Beyond Basic’s literacy program at Woodside Bible’s Pontiac Dream Center benefited from more than $3,000 in birthday tributes. Guests also heard moving descriptions of the Dream Center’s and Beyond Basics’ missions. Variety’s Cook-Off Variety, the Children’s Charity discovered several years ago that Chili, Mac & Comfort Food are a perfect antidote to the January-inMichigan malaise. This year, 225 supporters ($100, $150 tickets) convened at The Townsend to savor such cuisine prepared and donated by 10 restaurants . David King chaired the committee that uses straw hats, red bandanalined baskets of popcorn and boot stomping music by DJ Jamez Fredrick to set the casual party tone. They also set up a Chance Raffle which brought in $6,500. Guests and judges (Annabel Cohen, Steve Pardo and Johnny Prepolec) voted for their favorite offerings in each category, and this year, both groups of voters agreed. The mac’n’cheese title went to The Community House; the chili winner was Four Story Burger; and Green Lantern won the comfort food title. The energetic evening raised $50,000.for Variety’s programs that change children’s lives.
CARE House Circle of Friends Luncheon
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1. Pat Rosen (left) of Troy, Courtney & Kappy Trott of Birmingham, n Blythe Spitsbergen of Farmington, Pat Wagner of Bloomfield. 2. Retired Oakland County Judge/honoree Joan Young (left) and her elected replacement Judge Victoria Valentine of Bloomfield. 3. Janice & Barry King of Birmingham. 4. Joann Gordon (left) and Jan Hoge of Bloomfield, Diana Howard of Franklin. 5. Andrea Mitra (left), of Bloomfield, Pat Lodish of Birmingham, Sandie Knollenberg of Bloomfiled, Yoland Karcheof Bingham Farms.
Variety’s Cook-Off
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1 Motor City Open The Professional Squash Association 18th annual tour stop at the Birmingham Athletic Club is another January doldrums eliminator. In addition to the fierce competition between internationally-ranked pros, the six-day event, chaired by Derrick Glencer, Mike Beauregard and Peter Schmidt, included socials, clinics and a silent charity auction. This year Racquet Up Detroit was the beneficiary. “It’s a tough time to be a kid in Detroit,” executive director Derek Aquire told the crowd at the Thursday night Sponsors & Players Party. He added that “...Racquet Up is not (so much about) squash as it is about education, community service and travel.” When the MCO concluded, Australian Ryan Cuskelly had taken the winner’s title from defending champ Ali Farag and the charity auction had netted $30,000 for the Detroit youth development program. 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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3 1. Nathan Mersereau (left) of Livonia, David King of Birmingham, Paul Glantz of Lake Angelus. 2. Freddie & Susie Phillips of Bloomfield. 3. Jennie Cascio (left) of Bloomfield, Herb & Debbie Knowles of Birmingham. 4. Mia (left) and Gayle Orlow of Beverly Hills, Cindy Oliver of Bloomfield and Ed & Felicia Shaw of Birmingham.
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Motor City Open
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1. Mike Beauregard (left), Derrick Glencer and Peter Schmidt of Bloomfield. 2. Terry Barr (left) and Jon Uffelman of Bloomfield, and Liz Luckenbach and Jeff Gembis of Birmingham. 3. Robert Greenstone (left) of Bloomfield, Don Dunskee of Naperville, IL.
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ENDNOTE
The inadequate state revenge porn law evenge porn, also known as cyber rape, sexual cyber harassment, sextortion, or cyber exploitation, is when an individual or a partner who has been in an intimate relationship has nude or sexual photos or videos posted on the internet or websites that are designed to blackmail, humiliate, intimidate or exploit them for breaking up with them, or to control them. They are posted on these sites without the victim's consent, and experts maintain it is a form of control and abuse. Unlike traditional pornography, it is not meant as a form of entertainment. It is a form of domestic and sexual abuse. Often personal information is posted along with the images, such as the victim's name, home address, workplace, and links to social media profiles, so that the viewer of the revenge porn can identify the victims – exposing them to workplace discrimination, cyberstalking, further harassment, or even physical attacks. Revenge porn is meant to hurt and shame the victim. It succeeds by doing both. It also can haunt them for a long time, lingering on the internet, often in perpetuity. While victims are most frequently female, in their twenties and thirties, they can be of any age, and some victims are male. Now, since April 2016, revenge porn is also a misdemeanor criminal offense. But it's one without as much teeth as there should be for such a heinous act of cyberbullying against
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another human being. Which is leading prosecutors to charge perpetrators of revenge porn under other codified offenses, such as stalking or posting through electronic means, both of which are five-year felonies. Michigan's revenge porn law is a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than 93 days in jail and or a maximum fine of $500. A second and subsequent violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than a year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. As Oakland County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Paul Walton said, “We may use this law, or we may not, because revenge porn is a misdemeanor, and it's terribly shocking to the victim. By the time they get to the point to contact the police and prosecute, they come in as true victims. They're humiliated. They're devastated. Then they learn it's a misdemeanor, and their ex, who did this to them, is going to walk out the same door as they are. It's terribly disheartening.” Revenge porn is a new category of cyber transgressions that the law, both criminal and civil, is working to catch up with. In 2013, only two states had revenge porn laws. Today, 34 states do. As a criminal offense, Michigan's law was a bit of a communal cooking pot stew, with state legislators coming together in the last session, after a few failed efforts, to finally get a law passed. Its sponsors, Sen. Rick Jones (RGrand Ledge) and Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren),
worked across the aisle, with their associates in the state House never far from their minds. Jones said he made the compromise to make it a misdemeanor in order to get it passed in the state House of Representatives, feeling the $500 fine would make defendants think twice about posting the images. They also had to consider the ACLU, which looks to question infringements on Americans' right to free speech. While Arizona's revenge porn law has been ruled unconstitutional, Michigan's ACLU worked with state legislators to help craft a law which would stand up to constitutional scrutiny. While the ACLU said they did not support the law, they were neutral on it – in essence endorsing it. Yet, it left the law a bit of a shaved dog – it can still bark, but no one takes it seriously. So everyone involved in making the law came away happy – except the victims and the prosecutors working to protect them. A federal law is needed to provide universal protection to victims of revenge porn, to outlaw any and all posting of images without someone's consent. An effort in 2016, the Intimate Protection Privacy Act, spearheaded by U. S. Rep. Jackie Spear of California, died with the last Congress. In the meantime, it is left to prosecutors and the civil courts to find stronger remedies for those whose privacy and intimacy have been violated.
Save license for economic development ction in January by Rochester Hills City Council members to deny a request from a national gym and fitness center chain to serve alcohol on its premises was a prudent decision that we believe is in the city's best interest. Representatives from LifeTime Fitness, 200 W. Avon, told city council members they would like to offer beer and alcohol sales to their members. The business, they said, was already serving alcohol at more than two dozen other clubs it operates around the country, and was hoping to add a "social club" atmosphere at its Rochester Hills location. If approved, it would have been the first LifeTime Fitness in Michigan to offer beer and alcohol sales, and coincide with a trend that company had pushing in other states. Several council members took issue with the request, questioning the value of alcohol sales at a fitness club, whether the new service would provide a benefit to the community, and most importantly, whether the request would be
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the best use of the city's last remaining liquor license. Under the Michigan's liquor control system, the number of liquor licenses that may be issued in a particular community is restricted by the population of that community. The quota system, as it is called, therefore results in a high value being placed on available liquor licenses. And, while those liquor licenses are ultimately issued by the state, the real decision to issue a license or not relies on the support from the local communities where the license will be located. Because of the limited availability of liquor licenses, governing boards, like the Rochester Hills City Council, should be particularly choosy when deciding whether or not to grant a license. In doing so, we believe governing boards should select a business which would provide a boost to the local economy. In our view, we don't believe offering beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages to patrons of a business centered on health and fitness fits that criteria.
Representatives from LifeTime Fitness said they were trying to open the business up to more people who might not want to be members because they feel there is no social aspect of working out. This publication doesn't subscribe to that train of thought, nor did the majority of council members who denied LifeTime's request. We need only to turn to the number of gyms and fitness centers proliferating in the city that stress group involvement and the social aspects of fitness and training. There's no doubt that LifeTime Fitness has found a great deal of success in the health and fitness industry. But we feel, at least locally, that residents and the overall community of Rochester Hills can be served by a quality fitness center without the introduction of alcohol sales. We encourage Rochester Hills City Council members and those in neighboring communities to continue using their best judgement when it comes to the issuance of liquor license, and consider what is in the best interest of the community in doing so.
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