OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL 19 | GERAK SOCIAL LIGHTS 48
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DOWNTOWN11.17
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Dicamba herbicide spawning new concerns An explosive use in the herbicide dicamba across the agricultural landscape has brought with it thousands of complaints about damaged crops and a litany of possible health and environmental concerns.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
10
Digital media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Google have replaced print products as the most influential news sources and they must be regulated the same as print and broadcast outlets when it comes to political advertising.
CRIME LOCATOR
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A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Rochester and Rochester Hills, presented in map format.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
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VP Mike Pence’s visit to Oakland; GOP chair Ron Weiser as kingmaker; growing field seeking congressional seat; California fundraiser for Haley Stevens; Chuck Moss rerun; plus more.
MUNICIPAL
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Rochester to conduct development impact analysis; landmark tree to be protected; vaping moratorium; neighborhood places of worship questioned; Modetz family donation to Innovation Hills Park; plus more.
THE COVER Fly fisherman in the Clinton River near downtown Rochester. The river was named after Dewitt Clinton, governor of New York from 1817-1823. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS
48
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
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Our choices in the upcoming November city council elections. We also call on the state of Michigan to develop more regulations for the chemical dicamba used in farming.
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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody | Dana Casadei | Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak Austen Hohendorf | Lisa Rose Hook | Bill Seklar Judith Harris Solomon | Joyce Wiswell | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Rochester, Rochester Hills and parts of Oakland Township. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Rochester and Rochester Hills. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.
INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. WEBSITE downtownpublications.com
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FROM THE PUBLISHER he media business has come a long way since the heady days of newspaper barons like William Randolph Hearst who in 1887 was given control of the San Francisco Examiner by his father and would build an empire to include 28 newspapers, along with magazines, book publishing, news services and the film business.
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At its peak, it was estimated that Hearst print products by 1930 reached an estimated 20 million daily readers. Hearst in those days had a reputation for what would be dubbed “yellow journalism” – a more sensational approach to news coverage but also one that allowed his newsrooms to tackle tales of municipal and financial corruption. Hearst was just one of a number of colorful tycoons who made their fortune with newspapers.
political message, although I have always questioned whether readers or viewers have the time or inclination to further research the groups placing ads. More specifically, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) requires varying disclaimer and ad sponsorship notices when it comes to newspapers and magazines, along with any printed materials as part of a campaign. The requirements include not only the name of the group/person placing the paid ad but also the address. FEC regulations also provide specific instructions on how public disclaimer and ad sponsorship notices must be handled on television, radio and robo-calls. But current FEC regulations specifically exempt email messages and anything posted on websites or digital communications such as Facebook, Twitter and Google.
Today we still find print tycoons, like Michael Bloomberg, former New York mayor who owns Bloomberg news services, Jeff Bezos from Amazon fame as the new owner of the Washington Post, or the Sulzberger family from The New York Times. But we also find investment groups taking ownership of the larger newspaper chains. In fact, of the top 25 newspapers in the country, seven are reportedly owned by investment firms.
There have been attempts by the FEC to expand transparency requirements to the internet but lobbying by industry officials have staved those off, including in 2010 when Google received a waiver and in 2011 when Mark Zuckerberg from Facebook sought an exemption from disclaimer rules. In the latter case, the FEC board split 3-3 when it came to a vote on the issue so digital platforms still face no requirements like other media outlets.
The landscape has also changed in another way – digital media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Google and others have replaced print products as the most influential news sources in the country. Facebook alone is estimated to have two billion users world-wide, which makes the digital media companies the new influencers when it comes to the court of public opinion, including in the United States where a recent poll shows that slightly over 40 percent of users get their daily dose of news from Facebook.
In terms of what we can expect in the coming weeks out of Congress, House and Senate members have a long way to go before true regulation is developed. At this writing, the main proposal being floated in the Senate would require any group placing internet ads costing $10,000 or more to carry disclaimer notices.
It should come as no surprise that there is general unease in this country that a foreign power – as founding father Alexander Hamilton warned in the 1790s – would meddle in a U.S. election through invented news stories and paid advertising strategically targeted at voters leading into the 2016 primary and general elections. By one estimate in recent weeks, six Russian-related accounts with Facebook produced ads that reached 340 million viewers in advance of the November 2016 vote. And the Washington-based bipartisan public policy research group The Alliance for Serving Democracy tracked 600 Twitter accounts linked to Russian operations. So it is long overdue for Congress to at least start trying to tackle the issue of transparency when it comes to political advertising on the internet, although I am not convinced that the foreign power interference problem can be completely resolved or that current proposals rumored to be introduced in coming weeks are as thorough as they can be. Nor am I convinced that the problem of invented (fake) news stories can be solved. Let’s just take a look at how political ads on traditional media – newspapers, television, radio and robo-calls – are regulated by the federal government. When an issue-oriented ad or an advertisement promoting a candidate is placed with print or broadcast outlets, the ad must contain the name of the group placing the ad. As the theory goes, disclosing who paid for an election ad allows readers or viewers to understand who is behind a
Traditional media must require disclosure and disclaimer information starting at dollar one, so why digital advertising would have a more relaxed requirement is beyond me. Further, if a foreign power was crafty enough to use social media undetected in this last election, I am sure they are already planning on how to beat the $10,000 spending limit so they won’t face reporting requirements. More disconcerting is the fact that no one is talking about how to prevent foreign powers from spending any money on advertising to influence an election. Candidates and election committees are already prevented by law from accepting donations from anyone or any group outside the United States, so logic would dictate the same rule would apply when it came to online efforts that are politically related – be it in paid advertising or paid boosting of invented news stories posted on a site. Lastly, Congress and the FEC must tackle the question of the digital news platforms and any effort to review ads or paid “news” postings before they appear online. Facebook has already said they would be hiring 1,000 new employees who would be assigned to review all political advertising, which is a start but as a self-regulation effort it may not be enough. There must be some strict requirements for review. Congress needs to act fast, now that we have tangible evidence that a foreign power tried to influence the 2016 election, before anyone further undermines our democracy. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com
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INCOMING Representing residents
Article lesson in hate
I agree with some of what David Hohendorf opined in his October column, but when you say "someone who represents the voters views,” I cringed. House districts have 700,000 residents. Surely, there will be diverse views among that many people. Some of the residents will be disappointed no matter who is elected. Most of us have strong views on some matters, but have little interest in others. There are hot button issues and there are mundane issues that few people care about, but must nonetheless be addressed. That last point leads me to state that legislators must concern themselves with many issues which have scant popular interest and which requires them to have an independent view. Thomas Blackstone Rochester Hills
We received our copy of the October Downtown newsmagazine and this one held our attention a little longer. First, the title of an article on the cover caught our eye – "Michigan Hate Groups - Philosophy of 28 Organizations.” Now as I understand the word philosophy means study of specific things, in this case hate groups. Do you really think in such a hate filled world people need to know details of these hate groups. This article actually represents what is wrong in society and this article in the wrong hands, i.e. a child that wants to get back at society who has an in depth knowledge of the internet, they could decide to contact one of these groups. Hate is taught and thanks to this month’s edition you've given a fabulous lesson. We were instantly appalled by this article but sadly we can only imagine there is a majority that were not. Do children need to know about groups like this. Yes they do. However, they also need to know that groups like this are wrong. Giving pretty much full details on these sick individuals/groups has given more knowledge and power to the disturbed section of society that will act out like the person in Las Vegas. The article speaks of freedom of speech and this is ours – we are using it to express love and pray for peace on this nation. We are a white family who loves dearly our black neighbors, Muslim neighbors, alongside our gay friends. If this article was meant to reveal truth, you got it wrong – it will only create more hate. Name withheld upon request Rochester
What has Congress done? Dave Trott is my friend but is still new to Congress. If this quote is real (Oakland Confidential/September) – “It's more the president's inability to evolve into the job that's hampering our ability to pass legislation. He's certainly not providing any kind of leadership, and it's undermining our ability to pass the agenda.” – I am disappointed. The House and Senate have had eight years to get bills ready for a Republican president. What have they done is the real question? By the way, Trump’s approval is three to four times as high as Congress. I would have preferred Trott stick around in Congress a decade or so. I pray Trump gets eight years to fix this country. Jim Thienel Waterford (Thienel is former chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party) From our website
Left wing liberal publisher I thought it interesting how publisher David Hohendorf can claim to be a little left of center. After reading his October column, I'd say he is very left of center or simply put, a left wing liberal. downtownpublications.com
SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.
His words rat him out. His article trashes Representative Trott because he ran for office as a conservative. It's obvious he is a supporter of Obamacare, one of the biggest scams ever perpetrated on the American people. Pitiful. Trott helped rein in the EPA. Great, now that water puddle in my front yard is no longer under its jurisdiction. Then Hohendorf proceeded to trash potential Republican candidate Marty Knollenberg, suggesting his only asset is his last name. Sounds like the Kennedy dynasty doesn't it. Hohendorf whined about his father staying in Congress past his announced two terms. Lord knows no Democrat ever did that. He trashed an unnamed potential candidate because he was an early Trump supporter. Followed by "Heaven help us.” Shameful. The more President Trump rolls back the Obama travesty, the better. After trashing the Republicans, Hohendorf won't even mention the names of the couple of the potential Democratic hopefuls. Why not? I suspect your ideal candidate was Mrs. Clinton. I look forward to Hohendorf making recommendations to voters before the primary and general elections. I can't imagine how you'll swing with those, actually, yes I can — liberal/progressive/socialist all the way. So please, don't try to tell us you're an Independent. That dog don't hunt. Doug Osterrout Oakland Township
From skeptic to advocate How unfortunate that the story (Spousal abuse behind bars/September) doesn't include a mention of the video interviews these judges and psychologist made on behalf of Nancy and Karen. It will turn a skeptic into an advocate for these women. I advocated by signing their petitions to Governor Snyder on jtsadvocates.com. Terry Hennessy From our website
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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 October 25, 2017. Placement of codes is approximate.
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com. PENCE POLITICS: Imagine holding a political dinner in Oakland County, bringing in the Vice President of the United States – and then not inviting any leading Republican lawmakers from the county. That’s what occurred on September 27, when Michigan Republican Chairperson Ron Weiser of Ann Arbor planned a little get-together of special donors at the Bloomfield Hills home of Lauren Fisher and husband Philip, the only son of the late businessman and philanthropist Max Fisher who was a close advisor to Republican presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush. Along with Weiser and his wife Eileen, a member of the Michigan Board of Education, breaking bread with Vice PENCE President Mike Pence, the Fishers and low-key (but wealthy) donors were Attorney General (and gubernatorial hopeful) Bill Schuette, Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, running for attorney general, and Dr. Rob Steele, a conservative activist and RNC committeeman. “Word is that Ron Weiser is picking winners and losers for who he wants on the ballot next November,” said one disgruntled Republican, who found out about the dinner the following day, at an event at the American Axle plant in Auburn Hills after Pence spent the night at a hotel in Troy. GOP KNIGHTHOOD: More than one person has mentioned the growing sense among state Republicans that Michigan GOP chair Ron Weiser is taking the role of kingmaker to new heights. Examples include the story making the rounds about one former Republican lawmaker who was looking at running for U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow, who has held the seat since 2000, but was supposedly told “we have a strong candidate” – former Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court Robert Young. As the tale goes, Weiser and Ronna Romney McDaniel, Republican National Committee chair, have anointed Young, so don’t bother. Says one observer: “Weiser’s the same guy who said it’s Terri Lynn Land,” referring to the former Michigan Secretary of WEISER State who lost big to Senator Gary Peters (D) in 2014. “Weiser is great at fundraising – but not at picking candidates.” The only other Republican currently in the race is John James, a West Point grad and African American Iraqi war vet, who is now a Farmington businessman, after Lena Epstein bailed for the 11th congressional race. Speculation is that western Michigan congressman Fred Upton (St. Joseph) will jump in, especially since former Michigan Republican Party chair Bobby Schostak is working him hard, and he raised over a half-million dollars in the last quarter, although most of the money came from political action committees. CHESS GAME: When Bloomfield Hills Republican and oil heiress Lena Epstein switched campaigns to run for the 11th congressional seat after Birmingham Rep. David Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Troy, western Oakland County, parts of Wayne County) announced he was not running for a third term, fellow (male) Republicans got snarky. “Lena’s in over her head,” said one. And more than one male candidate raised the question of how a pregnant candidate would handle both a new political office in Washington D.C. along with a young child. Be that what it is (and we all know what it is), Epstein will have her hands full in the primary. A growing GOP field of announced candidates includes Plymouth Township supervisor Kurt Heise; state Rep. Klint Kesto (R-Commerce, West Bloomfield) who is beginning to pull in the bucks, although there are rumored to be reservations about him among top muckety-mucks and revered leaders in the Chaldean community; and perennial candidate former state Rep. Rocky Raczkowski of Troy, who some say runs as often as a leaky toilet and has already come under fire (Deadline Detroit) for overdue fines owed to the SOS office for past campaign filing transgressions. You can put your money on state Sen. Mike Kowall (White Lake), Senate Majority Whip, announcing and Michigan Rep. Laura Cox (Livonia) is still mulling over a run. Whoever slogs it out will go against the winner of the Democratic primary field, which now includes state Rep. Tim Greimel (Auburn Hills), Haley Stevens, Dan Haberman, Fayrouz Saad and threetimer Anil Kumar. EYES ON THE PRIZE: Speaking of Haley Stevens, the Democrat who announced early on she wanted to take on Rep. David Trott for the 11th District of Congress appears to be racking up the dough – announcing she raised over $500,000 in the downtownpublications.com
last quarter. Stevens, who was chief of staff to the auto czar under former President Obama, likely added to her coffers at a Hollywood fundraiser October 12 at the home of uber-TV producer (The Big Bang Theory) Bill Prady, who grew up locally and attended Cranbrook Schools with Trott. According to Prady’s Facebook page, he was not a Trott fan then, and is no fan now. PRADY
SHOO-SHOO-SCHUETTE: As Lt. Gov. Brian Calley continues to drag out the possibility of when he’ll announce his run for governor, Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette appears to have the wind at his back after finally announcing his run. At the 32d Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference in late September, word is Schuette was “all over the island,” including shaking hands with everyone who came off Shepler’s ferry on Friday afternoon before his event. “There are no votes on the island, and no one is going to give you money,” said one Republican. “The lobbyists aren’t going to endorse you or raise money for the primary, and other than politicians, that’s who’s there.” But a “Friend of Bill’s” said Schuette, who has been SCHUETTE endorsed by former Gov. John Engler and former U.S. Representative (now Macomb County Public Works Commissioner) Candice Miller, has done internal polling and is currently polling 52 percent to Calley’s 13 percent among Republicans who vote in a primary. Schuette, who was an early Trump supporter, gets even higher numbers among those who hear he is a Trump backer – 62 percent to 13 percent. “Calley seems to have faded away. I don’t see it for him – he has no momentum,” one lawmaker said. Another said Gov. Rick Snyder is committed to helping Calley, who is not yet ready to throw in the towel, even though his May 30 “presumed announcement” was a showcase for his push for a part-time legislature which “ostracized him from the legislature. It got him attention – but not the right kind.” Ouch. SOS FIELD: After months of speculations, former Wayne State Law School Dean Jocelyn Benson has announced her run to be the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, her second try, after losing to current Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who is term-limited. Benson is the first Democrat to jump into the race, where three Republicans, Stan Grot, Shelby Township clerk; Joseph Guzman, a Michigan State University professor; and Mary Treder Lang, a Grosse Pointe Farms CPA, have all announced they are running for their party’s title. State BENSON Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), who had announced a run, recently dropped out, likely for the 11th District congressional seat. HOMEBODIES: State Rep. Mike McCready (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) formally announced his candidacy for the state Senate’s 12th District, where Gov. Rick Snyder and a gaggle of other prominent Republicans endorsed him. The elephant in the room? McCready would have to move into the 12th district, an issue a number of people are quietly talking about now. A 12th district run leaves McCready’s House seat, the 40th, where he’s termlimited, open. Former Republican county commissioner Dave Potts, who lost to McCready six years ago, has decided to forgo another run at the seat. He doesn’t want to spend hours on the road to Lansing, he said, adding that his wife, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Potts, has just a year-and-half left on the bench before being forced to retire. That leaves currently announced Republican candidates newbies Malissa Bossardet and Mike Banerian, a recent college grad who lives at home, although word is Bloomfield Township trustee Michael Schostak is still assessing the field. Announced Democrat/candidate Nicole Bedi, who lost to McCready in 2016, has been seen out and about actively working the crowd at public events now that the seat is in play. COMMISSION CHALLENGE: Former 40th District state Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham) has thrown his hat back into the ring to challenge Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) for her seat in the 12th District. Two years ago, despite loaning his campaign $1 million and walking the district, he still came up short on votes – most likely because Taub, who was a county commissioner from 1993 to 2002 and again since 2009, does a good job for her constituents. In between, she was Moss’ predecessor in TAUB the state House of Representatives. As for Moss, who ran unsuccessfully in 2014 for the state Senate’s 13 District, losing to Marty Knollenberg, and then in 2016, in the primary to Taub, a friend of his said, “What else is he going to do? Just travel?”
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Dale Hughes y the end of 2018, metro Detroit is set to have more dedicated bicycle lanes and paths than New York City, San Francisco or Los Angeles. It will also be home to one of only two permanent indoor cycling velodromes in the country. At the center of the bicycle revolution is Rochester Hills resident Dale Hughes, who has designed and/or constructed more than 20 velodromes around the world, including the International Velodrome at Rochester Hills’ Bloomer Park as well as the Indoor Multi Sport Complex featuring a world class velodrome at Tolan Playfield in Detroit. Set to open by the end of the year, the $4 million facility in Detroit is being constructed without tax funds through the non-profit Detroit Fitness Foundation, of which Hughes serves as executive director, and an angel donor from metro Detroit. "It will be the second velodrome in Michigan and one of about 25 in the United States," Hughes said of the cycling tracks. "Most of them are old, going back a good 30 or 40 years." That was until Hughes started designing and building velodromes on a regular basis, beginning with a 250-meter track in Atlanta, Georgia, which was built for the 1996 Olympic Games. Since then, he has built velodromes for the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Games; the 2015 Pam Am Games in Toronto; the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India; and national training facilities in Israel, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and other countries, as well as tracks in Santa Rosa, Denver, Chicago, Cleveland and other places. Yet for all of his work creating velodromes, Hughes didn't initially get interested in cycling until after graduating from Oakland University with a business degree and deciding to open a local bicycle shop. "I was born in Highland Park, then moved to the farmland of Rochester and went to Rochester High and Oakland University," he said. "I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I visited my sister in Germany and discovered cycling. I asked my dad to loan me $9,000, which is how much I knew he had, and another friend did the same and we opened a bike shop." A few years later, Hughes met Wolverine Sports Club cycling coach Mike Walden, who had trained Olympic-winning cyclists. Walden suggested Hughes work on building a velodrome. Hughes partnered with a friend and built a portable velodrome as he toured around the country for events. While the track was stolen in 1981 when someone drove off with the trucks and trailers used to transport the velodrome, he started up again in 1995 after getting a call from the U.S. Olympic committee to construct a track for the summer games in Atlanta. "We had it in three trailers and trucks. We thought it was secure, but they drove off with it," Hughes said about the lost track. "It wasn't insured. We kept looking for six years for boarded up houses with Schwinn logos on it because they were one of the sponsors." With his newest endeavor as executive director of the Detroit Fitness Foundation, Hughes hopes to attract international athletes while promoting fitness in the city. The new position means less time away from home building new velodromes. "They aren't just building the tracks, but huge buildings... in Kazakhstan, they created a whole new city out of a little hamlet," he said. "I'll also never deal with Kazakhstan again because you're basically dealing with the Russian mafia. I had some not fun situations."
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Jean Lannen
FACES
DICAMBA HERBICIDE FINDS NEW VALUE, SPAWNS CONCERNS BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
cientific breakthroughs in genetically modified seeds have given new legs to a pesticide that previously had a limited role in the production of soybeans and cotton. But an explosive use in the herbicide dicamba across the agricultural landscape has brought with it thousands of complaints about damaged crops and a litany of possible health and environmental concerns. Developed a half-century ago and sold under names like Banvel, Clarity, Diabo, Oracle, Vanquish and others, dicamba is a popular weedkiller used on agricultural fields, lawns, golf courses and other areas where broadleaf weeds are a problem. In farming, more than five million pounds of dicamba have been applied annually since at least 1994, primarily to corn crops. That's about 15 million acres of corn, 1.5 million acres of wheat and some three million lawns. While dicamba is one of the most used herbicides, it pales in comparison to glyphosate, the top selling herbicide in the world, with some 180 million pounds applied in the United States each year. Best known under the brand name Roundup, the herbicide generates some $4 billion annually for pesticide manufacturer Monsanto. Key to the herbicide's success has been the development of genetically-modified soybean, corn, cotton and other "Roundup Ready" seeds that are tolerant of glyphosate. Used together, glyphosate can be applied directly on and around the genetically modified plants to kill weeds without damaging the crops. But glyphosate's time at the top could be limited, as new batches of superweeds become resistant to the herbicide, and the pesticide's top producer, Monsanto, comes under fire in federal court and the European Union over claims that it causes cancer. That's where dicamba comes in, with Monsanto bringing the first dicambatolerant soybean and cotton seeds to the market in 2016. Monsanto now believes dicamba's use will increase from about 233,000 pounds per year in soybean production to 20.5 million pounds, while its use in cotton production is expected to go from 364,000 pounds to as much as 5.2 million. Still, significant problems could prevent dicamba from being the savior to the company and farmers looking for an added agent or alternative to glyphosate. For one, health and environment groups claim dicamba carries with it some of the same issues as glyphosate, linking it to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of blood cancer; genetic blood damage in humans; and fetal development issues, birth defects, decreases in body weight, liver damage, eye damage and several types of cancers in laboratory animal tests. Dicamba also volatilizes, or evaporates, when applied in temperatures above 85 degrees, meaning it has a tendency to create vapor clouds during hot summer months that are capable of drifting up to 10 miles. Such drifts have resulted in more than 2,000 complaints of crop damage from off-site farmers and allegedly has damaged over 3.1 million acres of land, causing at least two states to temporarily halt the use of the herbicide.
In Michigan, dicamba has already been used on corn crops for decades. With no significant cotton crop in the state, new uses of the herbicide would fall on soybeans, raising concern among farmers raising speciality food crops. Fruits and vegetables in the state are often grown in patches surrounded by soybean fields. Items like tomatoes, which are a broadleaf crop that is particularly susceptible to dicamba, could sustain major injury from vapor drift. Another major concern for Michigan is the contamination of the state's surface waters, such as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, one of the state's most widespread and valuable resources.
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icamba is relatively water soluble and has the ability to easily contaminate ground and surface water. While officials at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) haven't had any recorded instances of dicamba contaminating ground or surface water, a 1992 study found groundwater contamination from the herbicide in 17 states in the Pacific Northwest from 1971 to 1992. It has also been found in the drinking water in Cincinnati, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Seattle. Periodic tests of unregulated drinking water contaminants conducted by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department looked for and didn't find any traces of dicamba. Still, consider that dicamba's use is expected to increase by several million pounds in the near future, and it's not surprising that concern from the agriculture industry and the health and environment community are at an all time high over the herbicide. "It is widely researched, but apparently not widely known that increasing an area treated and amount applied of herbicide increases the likelihood that herbicides will appear in surface and groundwater," Pennsylvania State University professor David Mortensen, a specialist in weed and plant ecology, said in a statement to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opposing registering new uses of the dicamba. Not only did he say expanded use exacerbates weed resistance and cause problems related to vapor drift, he said the expansion would increase water contamination and human exposure. "The fact that we would increase dicamba use by three to seven fold at a time when we are working hard to reduce human and natural systems exposure to such compounds goes against national policy, concerns about human health and the integrity of the
agro-ecological matrix," he said. Despite these concerns and others expressed in some of the some 16,000 comments the EPA received, the agency in December of 2016 approved expanding dicamba's use from grasses, corn and some other limited uses to genetically-modified cotton and soybeans that had already been released in the market. The approval was initially viewed as a victory for row crops which could be able to use the herbicide in conjunction with the new seeds as a new tool to fight weeds. "Low-volatility dicamba formulations with VaporGrip Technology are designed to give soybean farmers additional tools to control glyphosate-resistant and tough-to-control broadleaf weeds," Mike Frank, vice president and CCO of Monsanto said months prior to the EPA's approval. In July of 2016, months prior to the EPA's approval of dicamba's expanded use, Monsanto and DuPont entered a supply agreement in which Monsanto would supply its dicamba-tolerant Roundup Ready2 Xtend soybeans, a modified version of its glyphosateresistant seeds, and DuPont would sell the matching herbicide as FeXapan Herbicide Plus VaporGrip Technology. The agreement and subsequent registration for the new dicamba formulations came after the dicamba-resistant seeds hit the market and were purchased by farmers. The delay meant farmers who purchased the seeds didn't yet have an approved dicamba herbicide to use in conjunction with growing. As a result, it’s believed crops around the country, particularly in the southern United States, were damaged by farmers who used older formulations of dicamba that doesn't have added properties to reduce vapor drift. How much of the estimated three million acres of damage came from misuse of herbicide product isn't yet known. As of September 15, 2017, a total of 2,610 official complaints and subsequent investigations of dicamba crop injury were filed with departments of agriculture in 28 states, including 967 in Arkansas and 310 in Missouri, according to weed experts monitoring the issue and compiled in a report by the the Association of American Pesticide Control. At least a half-dozen lawsuits have been filed against the herbicide manufacturers or the EPA. Additionally, some states where crop damage has been particularly bad have passed additional restrictions and/or bans of dicamba use. The EPA also has announced it is investigating whether additional restrictions will be needed in the face of millions of acres of crop injuries. "We are reviewing the current use restrictions on the labels for these dicamba formulations in light of the incidents that have been reported this year," an EPA spokesman said. "The underlying causes of the various damage incidents are not yet clear. But the
EPA is reviewing all available information carefully. We will rely on the best information available to inform of any regulatory change." In January of 2017, the Center for Food Safety, along with the National Family Farm Coalition, the Pesticide Action Network of North America and the Center for Biological Diversity filed suit in the U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals in response to the EPA's approval of Monsanto's registration of dicamba for use on genetically engineered crops. "The catastrophe of drift damage that has happened this year across millions of acres of farmland was foreseen by those of us that warned the EPA not to rubber stamp Monsanto's pesticide," said George Kimball, legal director for the Center for Food Safety. "Our litigation seeks to have that EPA approval overturned as unlawful, and thus protect farmers and the environment." Specifically, the petition of review filed requests of the court review the EPA's final order, and found the agency violated its duties under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) by issuing the order; violated the agency's duties under the Endangered Species Act by failing to consult with the US Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure that registering dicamba for use wouldn't jeopardize any listed species or destroy any of their critical habitats; and to grant relief as may be appropriate.
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cience policy analyst Bill Freese, with the Washington D.C.-based Center for Food Safety, a non-profit environmental organization focusing on food production technologies, said the center has broad concerns about the increased use of dicamba, including how it impacts the whole food chain, the agricultural industry and sustainability, as well as what is in the food we eat and whether it is dangerous. "It started with Roundup Ready crops, which basically took over soybean, cotton, corn, sugarbeats, alfalfa and canola. The massive planting of these genetically-modified crops has facilitated the glyphosate use and glyphosate-resistant weeds. Now, they are already seeing the beginnings of dicambaresistance in pigweed in Arkansas and Tennessee," he said. "It's an unsustainable system. I don't think it really is helping farmers. At best, it's like short-term relief, then when additional weed resistance arrives, it's like a pesticide treadmill. They will spray even more. It's certainly not in the farmer's long term interest."
Increased use of herbicides also isn't necessarily in the best interest of people exposed to it, either directly or in the food chain. While the new dicamba-resistant crops are designed to metabolize the herbicide, the safe levels of herbicide use is also a subject of debate. "When you spray herbicides, you are going to get a certain level that is absorbed by the plant, and that will result in an edible portion of crop. For every pesticide approved, they set a tolerance level, and they aren't supposed to exceed that," Freese said. "The tolerance levels are set based on animal experiments, in which the EPA figures out what exposure they think is safe for human beings. Unfortunately, almost all of the tests are conducted by pesticide companies themselves, or they hire a firm to conduct the animal experiments. Based on that, they determine how much (people) can be exposed to on a daily basis without suffering any adverse effects. The EPA has raised the safe level of exposure to dicamba by about 300-fold since the 1980s. That's a pretty huge increase in what is considered safe. Based on the data, I don't see good scientific reasons for raising the levels. “What's interesting is that the safe level tends to go up with the use of an herbicide. As it's used more, you see more in food and greater exposure. I think we can see a number of cases where the EPA is playing with the science to say that it's not as hazardous as we thought. But the real reason is that the companies want to use more herbicide on more crops, and the EPA justifies that at the maximum exposure levels."
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reese said the EPA has also been loosening its standards on whether other herbicides cause cancer, noting the EPA's findings regarding glyphosate and the agency's determination that it doesn't likely cause cancer that has mixed review by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodeticide Act's (FIFRA) scientific advisory panel. FIFRA prescribes the guidelines the EPA uses for regulating the sale and distribution of pesticides in the country. It also sets rules for the EPA when considering whether to register a pesticide for use in the country. While dicamba has been registered for use in the United States for decades, those uses had been limited to corn and some other uses. During 2015 and 2016, the EPA received thousands of comments regarding authorizing the expanded use of dicamba. The companies requesting the registration of their products – Monsanto, DuPont and BASF – made their request based on claims that their new
formulas has special properties that reduce the herbicide's tendency to drift. The Center for Food Safety was one of the organizations that opposed the new registration, based on several concerns, including human health. Many others also expressed concerns that dicamba is an older chemical with concerns about being a possible carcinogenic. A 1992 epidemiology study by the National Cancer Institute found exposure to dicamba doubled farmers' risk of contracting nonHodgkins lymphoma two decades after exposure. Another study funded by the EPA found that 1.4 percent of a sample population had dicamba residues in their urine, suggesting about 2.3 million Americans are contaminated with dicamba. In its response to public comments, the EPA dismissed concerns about cancer, saying dicamba "is not likely to be a carcinogenic to humans." That decision, the EPA said in its response, was based on a lack of findings in the cancer studies of rats and mice, "which were tested at adequate dose levels to assess the carcinogenicity of dicamba." Further, while the EPA stated dicamba "induced chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro," the genotoxicity was negative in vitro in mice studies. It further stated a study linking cancer to pesticide applicators "didn't indicate any 'strong associations' between dicamba exposure and overall or site specific cancer risk." "They are basically trying to claim that they don't need to incorporate higher doses," Freese said about the EPA's response. "It's a way to compare results of high-dose groups with a control group, and you're looking at incidence rates." For instance, Freese said, a carcinogenic rate of four out of every 60 test subjects that received high doses of dicamba showed problems, while none of the animals in the control group, or those not receiving dicamba, didn't. From a statistical standpoint, he said the four that showed problems isn't a high enough number for a strong or significant association. "In this case, it's just barely not significant, but there is a significant trend, which is a second way of looking at this," he said. "You look at statistics to see if there is a trend, and not just looking at the high-dose group and the control group – you look at all of them. You had four in the high-dose group, and four in the mid-dose group. If you look at those together, there is a significant trend. But the EPA has guidelines, so they don't both have to show significance. They shouldn't have taken that as evidence." For humans, the main route of exposure to dicamba is either through direct contact in its use or from eating foods treated with dicamba prior to the plant's ability to metabolize it. While the vast majority of corn and soybeans treated with dicamba are ultimately used for
livestock feed, there is little known about the effects of dicamba-treated feed on the food chain. Further, what research has been done is typically conducted by the herbicide manufacturers themselves. Still, the United States Department of Agriculture sets "grazing restrictions" on pastures and crops treated with dicamba that are used for feed. "The effect of a chemical or its breakdown products on livestock or retention in the animal's body may not be known," the USDA states in its restrictions. "The concern is that herbicdes could be passed in the milk of lactating animals or cause abortion in pregnant animals. The chemical may also have the potential to be retained by the animals and be present in the slaughtered carcass."
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he Pesticide Action Network of North America also opposed the EPA's new registration of dicamba herbicides, citing harm to farmers, the environment human health and sociocultural harm to rural communities arising from increased conflict between neighboring farmers around issues of drift, crop damage and liability. Early reports of damage to soybean crops emerged in July of 2016, when an extension weed specialist at the University of Arkansas noted issues in fields in that state, citing a 10percent yield loss from low-level use of dicamba by farmers. Conflict among farmers using dicamba herbicides at neighboring farms quickly escalated. Dicamba drift, particularly drift produced from older formulations that hadn't been approved for use on genetically-modified (GM) cotton and soybean, can seriously damage non-GM soybean, as well as other sensitive speciality crops, such as tomatoes, potatoes, ornamental trees and other crops. In October 2016, an Arkansas farmer was shot and killed following a dispute with a neighbor over dicamba drift. While tensions haven't reached fatal levels in Michigan, there remains a rift between some farmers over whether the product should be used in the state. Even within the Michigan Farm Bureau, specialty farm experts say they don't like dicamba products used around their crops because of the potential for drift and damage. "In terms of specialty crops, our growers aren't fans of it," said Kevin Robson, horticulture and industry relations specialist for Michigan Farm Bureau. "We have a lot of growers of specialty crops, like Red Gold Tomatoes, and they are nervous. They don't want a grower to put an application on this
and have it off-target their tomatoes. It's possible there's been drift out there in Michigan – we can't say it hasn't happened – but as far as we know, there haven't been problems in Michigan." The concern differs from the view of Kate Thiel, a field crop specialist with Michigan Farm Bureau, who said growers want access to new applications. "At the end of the day, we are coming up against resistance issues, and these are important tools in our tool box," she said. "We want to couple that with good standards and best practices, and our members are focused on that, as well."
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lthough Robson said he and Thiel are on different sides of the issue, Farm Bureau is supportive of new herbicide tools and proper use of those, especially since it has already been approved and available for use. "It's a new formulation, and not like the others that you're having horror stories with in other states, so it doesn't have the volatility and tendency to drift. I'm trying to convince any growers that I work with that that's the case, but it's a moot conversation," Robson said. "These are new technologies, and Farm Bureau isn't going deny access to one grower to benefit another. We find we have members on both sides of the fence." Row crop farmers relying on the commodities are likely to turn to dicamba in the future as a standard control for weeds. "As some of these situations are figured out, I do think it will continue to grow in popularity," Thiel said. "Farmers will procede with caution, but I think you will see an increase in utilization moving forward as it becomes a viabile option to folks." Still, commodities farmers facing tight profit margins are likely to embrace any new technology that will help a high yield of their crop. "Farming is a very break-even kind of business, at best, and if you're highly leveraged, these are going to be really difficult times," said Mike Staton, a soybean specialist with MSU Extension. "Margins are incredibly tight. Soybeans are looking better than corn in the past couple of years, and that's a change." To reduce costs, farmers look to finding seeds that will provide the best crop yield. For the past three years, planting research has allowed farmers to plant less seed without giving up yield. The new dicamba-resistant seeds offer a potential way to boost that yield. In Michigan, an increased use of dicamba has primarily caught the attention of farmers. And, while the herbicide hasn't been known
to have a presence in any surface waters, according to the Michigan DEQ's Surface Water Program officials, it's also one that hasn't previously been on the radar. Because dicamba isn't a "restricted use" herbicide, the state's department of agriculture doesn't track the amount of the chemical sold each year, as it does with some other pesticides. However, dicamba's use will undoubtedly increase in Michigan as soybeans continue to be a top agricultural commodity in the state. "Nationally, we have a very large crop that's expected," said Mark Seamon, research coordinator with the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. "It seems clear we won't have a record this year in terms of yieldper-acre, but this year is good, but short of great. The biggest challenge is weather in the late season and lack of rainfall." About 97-percent of Michigan's soybean crop is used for livestock feed, oil and other industrial uses. A small percent is used for human food consumption, which is typically sold in the export market. Seamon said soybeans used for food products don't typically contain genetically modified seeds, as they are a premium market product. Pesticide manufacturer BASF gained registration approval from the EPA in December of 2016 for Engenia herbicide, to be used in dicamba-resistant soybeans and cotton. The company claims the new formula reduces drift by 70 percent when compared to previous formulations. Other products approved by the EPA include DuPont FeXapan Herbicide Plus VaporGrip Technology; Engenia Herbicide; and Xtendimax with VaportGrip Technology. While the newer formulations of dicamba herbicides are marketed to have reduced drift properties, a lawsuit filed against the manufacturers claims dicamba-resistant seeds were sold and marketed by representatives who instructed farmers to use older formulations because they expected approval by the EPA to make the issue a moot point. The site also claims the products were rushed, and new formulas still don't have proper volatilization reduction, as shown by tests conducted after the products reached the market. A class action lawsuit filed in a federal court in Missouri in July 2017, against Monsanto, BASF and DuPont by a group of farmers claiming Monsanto released dicambaresistant cotton and soybean seeds prior to approval of an appropriate formulation despite warnings that it would pose a risk to crops. The site also claims Monsanto instructed farmers to use older formulations of dicamba herbicide despite the fact that doing so would be illegal. "This was Monsanto's real plan: publicly appear as if it were complying, while allowing its seed representatives to tell farmers the opposite in person," the site states. "Their
sales pitch assures purchasers that off-label and illegal uses of dicamba would be 'just fine.'" The suit also claims the defendants relied on misleading volatility testing and withheld crucial information from the EPA. For example, the plaintiffs say Monsanto only tested volatility of the new formulations relative to other dicamba formulations and not determining a safe level of volatility; and, that university scientists asked to test the herbicide weren't allowed to test its volatilization, despite receiving multiple requests. "When specifically asked about this on or about August 8, 2016, a Monsanto representative (Boyd Carey) stated to the Arkansas Plant Board such tests would not be allowed because the results might jeopardize Monsanto's registrations," court documents state. "The result: the approved over-the-top dicamba formulations, even if properly applied, were not non-drifting or nonvolatilizing." Many farmers who supported the new dicamba formulations did so on the premise that proper education, training and following best management practices prescribed on the pesticide's label would ensure safety and improve weed control.
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he state of Michigan is among the top 12 producers of soybeans in the country, just behind Arkansas, which is 11th in ranking. As a commodity, the crop was valued at some $850 million in 2015, the second most important in the state to corn. Among the top challenges to that production is weed management, according to the Michigan Agribusiness Association. "Our crop advisors, custom applicators and producers in Michigan are well-equipped to properly manage pesticide products in accordance with label specifications, and are committed to responsible stewardship of pest control products," Tim Boring, vice president of the association said in a statement to the EPA. "Training and educational programs regarding best management practices for dicamba use are slated to continue in the state as the approval progresses. Our association urges the EPA to approve the registration of dicamba use on dicambatolerant cotton and soybeans." As of October 1, two official complaints have been filed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) regarding alleged crop injury from dicamba drift, said Brian Verhougstraete, with MDARD's Pesticide Registration and Certification Division.
"Dicamba does have a tendency to drift and volatize – that's what's happening down south. The jury is still out, but there's been a lot of misuse. The new product wasn't available to be sprayed, so they were using what was registered for corn and using it on soybean. There's probably still some of that going on in the south," he said. "In Michigan, we didn't have any cases we are aware of where people (had crop injury) using new products. We are hearing damage is out there, but we haven't received official complaints on those." One official complaint, which remains open as of publication of this article, suggests tomatoes were damaged by off-target movement of dicamba. The issue occurred in Eaton County.
million with the initial launch of the seeds, targeting about 3 million acres. But increased demand could raise that figure to some 250 million acres of soybeans, which would increase revenue to $1.25 to $2.5 billion a year, according to the lawsuit. "This is not an anti-GMO lawsuit; it's a lawsuit about corporate greed, a rush to market, and the resulting fallout," the plaintiffs state. "With a global population expected to exceed nine billion by 2050, food production must grow 70 percent to feed the world. While there are some that believe organic or nonGMO crops are a better choice, the math is clear – without GMO crops, there will not be enough food to feed the world. "Despite this reality, the biotech industry has repeatedly proven there are risks of harm if GMO crops are not handled responsibly... although the defendants here pledged to act responsibly, defendants acted selfishly, focused on profits and ignored their responsibilities to the market." Additional lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto, DuPont and BASF in response to crop injury from alleged dicamba drift. An Illinois farmer filed a federal suit claiming damage to his soybean and pumpkin crops. A Missouri orchard filed suit in November 2016, after 7,000 peach trees in 2016 and 30,000 in 2007 were damaged. A suit spearheaded by a Missouri farmer in January 2017 against Monsanto now includes farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississipi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Six Arkansas farms filed suit in July 2017 under the name Bruce Farms Partnership. Fourteen Arkansas producers filed sit against Monsanto and BASF in July under the name B&L Farms. Under FIFRA, the EPA regulates the sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the United States. When certain federal criteria are met, states also have regulatory authority. Under the federal law, the label on a pesticide package or container and the accompanying instructions are part of pesticide regulation. The label provides key information about how to safely handle and use the pesticide product to avoid harm human health and the environment. Misuse of the pesticide outside of label instructions is a violation of federal law. In January of 2017, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson approved that state's plant board's recommendation to temporarily ban some uses of dicamba. Six months later, the state placed a 120-day ban on spraying of dicamba on crops other than pasture land, with the governor saying "the volume of complaints do justify emergency action." In July, Missouri also halted the sale and use, or removal order, of the new dicamba formulations in that state, where more than 200,000 acres of soybeans, and more than 6,500 acres of other crops, including certified organic vegetable farms, were effected. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture in
July also enacted new rules on dicamba sales in that state, including the requirement of a special license for new formulations, banning use of older formulations for the season and new record keeping requirements. Verhougstraete, with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, said that from an agricultural standpoint, dicamba herbicides are less of a concern in Michigan. "It's a big issue, but not a big issue in Michigan," he said. "There are several factors in that. What is driving use is weeds that are resistant to other chemistry, particularly Roundup. That product was really overused, and weeds developed resistance. All the weeds in the south are so resistant, they had to use something else. Up here, we don't have nearly as big as an issue." While dicamba has been used on corn and lawns for generations, Verhougstraete said temperatures are much lower when applied to corn, so the possibility of drift is far lower. And, while the department receives complaints about dicamba in relation to lawns, he said those complaints typically involve misapplication rather than an issue with the specific properties of dicamba.
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he second Michigan case occurred in Genesee County and involved damage to soybeans. The case has since been closed, but Verhougstraete said the damage was apparently caused by dicamba. While he said the test results of the damaged crops came back negative for dicamba, those findings aren't uncommon as dicamba and its metabolite breakdown very quickly in the environment, "usually before crop damage is observed." "As a result, it's very hard to verify suspected dicamba damage through laboratory analysis," he said. Despite assurances that new dicamba formulations won't damage crops through vapor drift, some experts have criticized the labels and instructions, and questioned whether the technology itself is safe enough to be used under any conditions. For instance, weed expert Larry Steckel of the University of Tennessee said the label associated with the approved lowvolatility dicamba formulations called XtendiMax, FeXpan and Engenia are already complicated without further restrictions. "Following them as they are now is a Herculean task," he is quoted stating in the lawsuit. "Talk about threading the needle – you can't spray when it's too windy. You can't spray under 3 miles per hour. You got to keep the boom down – there are so many things. "It looks good on paper, but when a farmer or applicator is trying to actually execute that over thousands of acres covering several counties, it's almost impossible." As the likeliness of crop damage increases with the increased use of dicamba and vapor drift, more and more farmers are expected to use Xtend soybean, cotton and other dicambaresistant products, the site contends. With a price of $5 to $10 per acre premium for its dicamba-resistant soybeans, Monsanto estimated earnings of $15 million to $30
hristy Sprague, a weed specialist and professor with Michigan State University Extension, confirmed that while there are some glyphosateresistant weeds in Michigan, there are far fewer in species and number than in some other states where drift problems are occurring. "We do have some weed management challenges in Michigan with some herbicideresistant weeds. It's not as much a serious problem as it is in some of the states to the south of us, but we are seeing them spread and the number of types (herbicide-resistant) weeds increase," she said. "Managing them has gotten a little tougher, not only because of glyphosate resistance, but other herbicides. There are limited options for managing those weeds." Glyphosate-resistant weeds in Michigan that are problematic include horseweed, or mare's tail; Palmer Amaranth, a type of pigweed; and waterhemp. Sprague said the overuse of herbicides does contribute to stronger, resistant weeds. That is part of the reason MSU Extension promotes a multi-faceted weed management approach, rather than relying on a particular herbicide. "It goes back to the selection process. If you're relying on that technology to manage a problem, eventually over time these species could become resistant to that, also," she said. "We are looking at these new approaches as tools, not the only tool to manage these species."
Tom Zibkowski Realty Executives Midwest
586-532-6700 Ex 114
Tom@TomZibkowski.com www.TomZibkowski.com
When Experience Counts. Over 4,000 Closed Home Sales Since 1982 FINISHED WALKOUT ON 2 ACRE PRIVATE WOODED LOT
COLONIAL WITH FINISHED WALKOUT ON PRIVATE LOT
Designer showcase colonial in highly sought after North Oaks Development. Home features an entertainer's gourmet island kitchen w/Quartz counter tops & built-in commercial grade stainless steel appliances, high end Blanco and Kallista stainless steel sinks, huge dual level cedar deck overlooking private wooded yard that extends 400' behind home. 1589 Scenic Hollow Rochester Hills, $839,900
Over 6,500 colonial on cul de sac, entertainer's size gourmet island kitchen w/granite counter tops & built-in appliances, 3rd fireplace in large owner's suite with additional sitting room, En-suite bedroom plus Jack & Jill bathroom servicing other 2 bedrooms, library with built-in book shelves, finished walkout lower level includes a wet bar, billiards area, wide open recreation area with fireplace, exercise room, 3rd 1/2 bath & plenty of storage. 3461 Moceri Court Oakland Township, $779,900
A RARE FIND 12 ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE - OAKLAND TWP
RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT BASEMENT ON 1.25 ACRE LOT
Private 12 Acre French Country Manor featuring 12,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area. Featuring terraced patios leading to parterre gardens adjoining built-in swimming pool. Helipad provides convenience to land helicopter in backyard and store in state-of-the-art hangar, entertainers gourmet kitchen, finished walkout features lap pool & gaming areas. 5350 Brewster, Rochester Hills $4,950,000.
Excellent condition great room ranch on 1.25 acre private lot, renovated kitchen with granite counter tops and built-in Viking Appliances, year round sunroom overlooking private yard, library has built-in cabinets and 3rd fireplace, formal dining room with butler's pantry, awesome owners suite with sitting area and access to sunroom, finished walkout features 3rd 1/2 bath, bar, open entertaining area and fireplace; 3.5-car garage. 4535 Valley View Rochester Hills, $629,900
FINISHED WALKOUT PRIVATE YARD WITH BASKETBALL COURT
FINISHED WALKOUT AND NATURE PRESERVE
Very clean well cared for 5 Bedroom, 1 1/2 story home with a fully finished walkout basement to heavily landscaped private yard with basketball court. Home features over 6,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area, all high end finishes throughout, all bedrooms have bath access, dual wrought iron staircase to 2nd floor, hardwood flooring entire 1st floor, lots of crown molding, vinyl clad windows; finished walkout has 2nd kitchen with additional full bath and theater room. 1372 Clear Creek, Rochester Hills, $769,900.
Stunning updated colonial with full finished walkout basement leading out to over 1/2 acre private lot backing to nature preserve (no neighbors behind home). Beautiful updated gourmet island kitchen w/built-in commercial grade appliances & cherry cabinets, hardwood floors throughout most of home, fireplace in spacious owner's suite, updated Jack & Jill bath between bedrooms, 4th bedroom has private bath, built-in cabinetry in library; full finished walk-out has wet bar, sauna, 1/2 bath, shower & walks out to covered patio with hot tub. 5774 Crystal Creek, Washington Township, $589,900.
FINISHED WALKOUT TO BUILT IN SWIMMING POOL BACKING TO POND
FINISHED WALKOUT TO BUILT-IN POOL ON ALMOST AN ACRE LOT W/POND
Beautiful 3,250 sq. ft. ranch with full finished walkout to built-in swimming pool on a private almost acre lot backing to pond. Gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances, fireplace in living room with 2nd fireplace in owners suite, lower level features full kitchen, bar, exercise room and a McCoy Dry Sauna with room for 8-10 people located off bathroom, 2-tiered deck leading down to private (fenced-in) swimming pool area, professionally landscaped, largest lot on the pond, and a 2.5-car over-sized garage with room to add another garage. This is a one of a kind home!! 6718 Pond Drive, Washington $729,900
Custom built Georgian colonial w/finished walkout to built-in pool on private almost acre lot w/pond, 4.5-car garage & circular drive, all high end finishes throughout, entertainers huge gourmet island kitchen w/commercial grade appliances, all bedrooms have private baths, finished walkout w/wet bar and wide open entertaining area, extensive landscaping with waterfall, awesome yearround sun-room overlooking private yard, This is a great home to raise a family! 1683 Chieftan Circle, Oxford Twp $1,049,000
Tom@TomZibkowski.com www.TomZibkowski.com
Tom Zibkowski Realty Executives Midwest
586-532-6700 Ex 114
When Experience Counts. Over 4,000 Closed Home Sales Since 1982 1 1/2 STORY HOME WITH A FINISHED WALKOUT ON PRIVATE 2.92 ACRE PARCEL
3100 SQ. FT. RANCH WITH WALKOUT ON 1.25 ACRES
Mint condition custom built 1 1/2 story home with a finished walkout basement on a private 2.92-acre parcel close to Rochester and Romeo. Home features over 8,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area that only the discriminating buyer can appreciate, garage parking for 6 cars, all high end finishes throughout, 4 fireplaces, park-like backyard with pond. Finished walkout features 2nd kitchen, wet bar, 5th & 6th bedrooms, and entertainer’s gourmet island kitchen with built-in appliances, absolute move-in condition. 1100 Creekside Drive, Addison Twp $979,900
A rare find on cul-de-sac lot backing to subdivision nature preserve, awesome updated entertainer's gourmet kitchen with commercial grade built-in stainless steel appliances plus 2 built-in refrigerated drawers, nice open floor plan, huge 2-level deck across back of home overlooking private yard with a small pond. 62460 Dell Court, Washington Township, $584,900.
FINISHED WALKOUT TO IN-GROUND POOL ON 1.47 ACRE CUL-DE-SAC LOT
FULL FINISHED WALKOUT BASEMENT ON A PRIVATE 3.06 ACRE LOT WITH 2 PONDS
Stunning custom built home with finished walkout to in-ground pool on 1.47 acre cul-de-sac lot, designed by Renowned architect Dominic Tringali, home features 10,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area, entertainers dream gourmet island kitchen with built-in commercial grade appliances, 5 custom fireplaces, 4.5 car attached garage plus additional detached garage, 6 bedrooms all with private bathrooms, awesome owner's suite with balcony overlooking grounds, 40' x 22' in-ground swimming pool with electric cover and extensive landscaping. This is truly a one-of-a-kind residence.. 11268 Dino Drive, Bruce Twp $1,380,000
Awesome Custom Built designer showcase great room ranch with full finished walkout basement on a private 3.06 acre lot with 2 ponds, great open floor plan with 2 bedrooms on 1st floor and 3rd bedroom & library in the finished walkout lower level. Featuring a beautiful sun room overlooking rolling land to pond, almost 4,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area, open staircase to lower level makes floor plan feel as one living area, custom built by original owner and maintained second to none. 4601 Rosy Drive, Leonard, $539,900
12,000 SQ. FT W/FINISHED WALKOUT TO BUILT-IN POOL BACKING TO STONY CREEK
DESIGNER SHOWCASE ON PRIVATE LOT
Custom built 1 1/2 story featuring almost 12,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area w/finished walkout to built-in pool backing to Stony Creek Park, awesome floor plan, beautiful gourmet kitchen plus 2nd galley kitchen on main floor, 4 fireplaces, 5.5-car garage plus covered carport area between garages, 56' x 16' theatre room, game room combination on 2nd floor, 3rd full kitchen in finished walk out, 40' x 20' built-in pool plus hot tub area on very private lot backing to Stony Creek Metro Park, Brazilian cherry & travertine floors throughout home. 61871 Bradbury Run, Washington Twp $2,350,000
Stunning completely redone 1 1/2 story with finished walkout basement to private yard backing to woods, home is a designer showcase featuring all todays decor & features, huge gourmet island kitchen, all high end finishes throughout, extra deep finished walkout lower level with wet bar, 2way fireplace, additional bath and walks out to huge brick paver patio; walls of windows overlooking private yard, 8' doors throughout and custom moldings and trim. 4971 Brookside Lane, Washington Twp $929,900
1 1/2 STORY HOME WITH FINISHED WALKOUT TO PEACEFUL 2.75 ACRE LOT
3700 SQ. FT. RANCH ON ACRE WITH BUILT IN POOL
Custom built 1 1/2 story home with full finished walkout to peaceful 2.75 acre lot, 3.5-car attached garage plus over-sized 2.5-car detached garage with 8' doors, all high end finishes throughout, over 5,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area, all bedrooms have bath access, finished walkout features 5th bedroom, 2nd kitchen, wet bar, 2nd fireplace, upper and lower cement patios, bridge overlooking 2-story foyer & great room. 69332 Fisher Road, Bruce Twp $649,900
Sprawling custom built great room ranch with built-in gunite swimming pool on over 1/2 acre private lot with creek backing to woods and The Orchards Golf Course (no neighbors behind home). Home features all high end finishes throughout, entertainer's gourmet island kitchen with built-in commercial grade stainless steel appliances, home overlooking private yard w/built-in 40' x 20' swimming pool and outdoor pool house with wet bar & 1/2 bath, heated 3.5-car garage, circular driveway. 6532 Pond Drive, Washington Township, $874,900
FACES
Paige Webb ochester Hills resident Paige Webb was a junior at Stoney Creek High School when she first heard about a General Motors (GM) program teaching high school students about automotive design. A year later, she took third place in a national vehicle design contest held by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) on what a future Dodge vehicle may look like. "I have always been creative and done sketching, but I had an art teacher who told me to join GM's 'You Make A Difference' program. They accept about 30 students who have to send their artwork. If they see a baseline of skill, then the designers teach you how transportation design works," she said. "I decided to try it out, and luckily I got in. It was a really cool experience. After that ended, I heard about the FCA’s "Drive for Design' competitions, and took what I learned from GM to that." Launched in 2013, the FCA contest allows U.S. high school students in grades 10-12 to enter their own designs on what a new performance Dodge may look like 30 years in the future. The submissions must be original work of the artist, with winners winning potential scholarships, special design courses at Lawrence Technological University, and other prizes. Entries are judged by FCA designers, who consider craftsmanship, design quality, illustration and originality. Webb's design was one of three winners selected in the contest, behind a teen from Macon, Georgia, and another from Delmar, Delaware. As the third-place winner, Webb received an iPad Pro and Apple 2 Pencil, for sketching and drawing; a two-week design course at Lawrence Tech, and special attendance to the Eyes On Design car show. "When I draw, I like to use speed form, which isn't exactly vehicles. They are forms of lines that look fast and moving. So, I sketch brief speedforms – just movement on paper – and add Dodge to it," she said. "For me, I saw that blood orange and this mean face of Dodge. I take those shapes and add a speedform to it and make a realistic vehicle out of it. Then I sketched it, scanned over it, and it's a new form and something that doesn't exist." The design is a blend of a sleek coupe that maintains the image of a classic muscle car of the future, rather than an out-of-this-world sports prototype. "It's not forever in the future, so I didn't want to make something too crazy," she said. "It's fun to come up with futuristic vehicles, but I learned a lot about sticking to existing criteria." Her idea in some of the angles and classic Dodge orange color was to create something new that still evokes a Dodge design. The approach, she later learned, is one that designers typically incorporate to maintain signature brands. Today, Webb is attending Oakland University and plans to continue a college path and career in automotive design. "To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do (before)," she said. “I was just going through school and working on art skills in general and not knowing where to apply." Outside of her studies and design, she enjoys sketching landscapes and other designs, writing and reading. Her art has also been on display at Rochester's Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters. "I like to do work that is in front of me," she said. “I just look around and sketch."
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Jean Lannen
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MOONLIGHTING BLURRING THE THIN BLUE LINE: PERMITTING POLICE AND FIRE TO HAVE SECOND JOBS BY LISA BRODY oonlighting, or working a second job after normal business hours or your regular shift, is a longstanding tradition in this country, whether from a desk job or the factory line, including those working as municipal police and firefighting officials. About half of all American workers moonlight at some point in their lives, according to analysts, with work patterns helping with the government’s ability to track job and wage growth, which are leading economic indicators. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013, the latest year with trackable figures, 6.8 million workers in the United States held more than one job. Twenty years before, in 1993, the figure was 7.5 million, although the total number of workers holding a job was lower by 15.9 million. The number of those holding multiple jobs among all employed workers rose from 6.2 percent in 1994, to a high of 6.8 percent in the summer of 1995. It has declined steadily since then, and is now a total of 5 percent of the workforce.
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“Multiple jobholding is important from a macroeconomic perspective because moonlighting adds millions of jobs to the economy,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. “At the individual level, moonlighting serves both economic and noneconomic purposes. In May 2004, most workers who were holding more than one job reported doing so in order to earn extra money (38.1 percent), to meet expenses, or to pay off debt (25.6 percent).” They noted that as credit loosened during the expansion in that decade, there were fewer people seeking second jobs; as the Great Recession encroached, more individuals sought second, or more, jobs. “Previous research has attempted to correlate moonlighting with the different phases of the business cycle.” It also revealed that many 21st century moonlighters did not fit any specific reliable category, and there is no definitive moonlighter. A significant portion own their own business. Statistics indicate that men who moonlight are more often married, but women who do are more often single, divorced or widowed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation with the highest rate of moonlighting outside their own field is firefighter, with 28 percent of them working another job at any one time. Those working in sales, small business owners, nurses, and mechanics also have a high rate of working an extra job, according to the federal government. ublic safety officers – which encompasses a community’s police officers and firefighters, who can often work a few 10-, 12- or even 24-hour shifts at a time, and then often have several days off, have traditionally picked up extra shifts, or worked other jobs outside of their police or fire departments. Today, with more legal gray boundaries as to their responsibilities when they’re offduty and an increasingly litigious public, some police departments are saying “no” to certain types of outside work, or are placing constraints as to what kinds of outside employment their officers can pick up when they’re not on the clock. There are numerous reports of police officers around the country who have worked in construction trade jobs, landscaping or snow removal, in teaching, sales, and in particular, for private security firms, even at times wearing their public police uniforms while at their security job. Some large city departments have not only permitted it, such as Los Angeles and New York City, but encouraged it. But in an era of questionable police and off-duty police shootings, increasingly, many local departments are saying, yes, it’s OK to work a second job, with the chief’s prior approval, but no way can they work that security detail. And in most situations, officers can never wear their department uniforms, carry their department-issued weapon, or use their department vehicle when they’re working for someone outside of their regular job. As there is no law, either federal or state, which provides oversight on the issue of whether public safety officers can work outside jobs and in what kinds of employment nor specific guidance to a department chief, it is up to individual departments to set their own policies and enforce those policies themselves. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, also known as Public Act 203 of 1965, has seen frequent amendments and updating, provides for law enforcement standards, training, disbursements for allocations to local agencies, and if local officers can be employed as private college security officers – which is
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permitted under specific rules – but does not comment on other private law enforcement work. Seth Stoughton, assistant professor of law at the University of South Carolina, believes it is imperative that local police departments set written criteria for off-duty police work. He knows from what he speaks, and writes, about – for five years, he was a city cop in Tallahassee, Florida, “and I worked a number of private jobs in uniform, too – in security, at bars, nightclubs, local bookstores, and any number of festivals and fairs that were downtown. “I think it raises some fairly questionable concerns,” he said, which he acknowledged he is more sympathetic to now than when he was doing it, “because if there are weaknesses in the system, it can undermine good policing. “Philosophically, do we want public police officers working for private employers?” Stoughton asked. “Do we want private employees to buy, or at least rent, police officers? If we view policing as a public good, where we think it’s something that can and should be allocated for the public good, the employment of off-duty officers changes that dynamics.” On average, a police officer working in a suburban Michigan department earns anywhere from the mid-$30,000’s a year to he $55,000 - $60,000 annual salary range, said Bob Stevenson, executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and a former chief of the Livonia Police Department. He said in order for a department to be accredited by the Michigan Association of Chiefs, the issue of extra duty employment, or secondary employment, “must be an area they have a policy for.” Stevenson said there are no statistics for how many police officers work a second job, or in what industries. The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police works for the improvement of criminal justice and to advance the science and art of police administration and crime prevention, and the technical practices and to promote their use in police work, along with as acting as a lobbying organization to seek legislation to benefit the citizens of the state or law enforcement, as well as to encourage the adherence of all police officers to high professional standards of conduct. here is also the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, which “permits the 83 Michigan sheriff’s offices to have a single voice in meeting the needs of policing at the county level,” said Blaine Koops, executive director, as they work towards improved, professional standards to better serve and protect the citizenry. They also provide educational programming in trends of law enforcement, support effective law enforcement coverage of traffic and safety, assist administratively with correctional facilities, and act as a lobbyist to support appropriate law enforcement legislation. Police work isn’t a normal nine-to-five career, Stevenson pointed out. “Typically, police work is an 80-hour job over a twoweek period, or 84 hours if they’re on 24-hour shifts. Some departments can work straight for several weeks, and then have extended leave of several days off,” he said, which can allow for alternative employment opportunities. Around the state, he said, some officers do work in private security, as school private security officers, at concerts and sporting events, providing security at shopping malls at peak times of the year, and even at houses of worship. “It depends on the department if you can wear your uniform, use the department car and weapon,” Stevenson said. “It depends totally
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on the department’s policy.” He noted that other officers work in construction trade jobs. “I had an officer one time refinishing floors. As long as it’s not illegal, immoral, or won’t bring discredit upon the department, it’s OK.” The blurring of what is illegal, immoral or of what could bring discredit to a department has become more subjective over time, noted David Peck of the Police Policy Studies Council, who sees the hiring of off-duty police as private security officers as creating legal exposure for businesses and organizations, as well as for their departments. “Security officers must understand the potential issues that can arise when they also hold police powers,” Peck said. “Whether a police officer acts under ‘color of state law’ does not depend on whether the officer is on duty at the time of an incident. Off-duty police officers who either purport to exercise official authority or who exercise actual police authority may be acting under color of state law. If there is a significant relationship between an off-duty officer’s conduct and his or her duties as a police officer, then the officer will be found to have acted under color of law.” “Color of law,” according to U.S law, refers to an appearance of legal power that permits an officer to act, but which may in actuality operate in violation of law. According to the FBI, just because something is done with the color of law doesn’t mean the action is lawful, and when police act outside their lawful authority and violate the civil rights of a citizen, the FBI is tasked with investigating the situation. In situations when an off-duty officer is involved, the “color of law” refers to an act committed by a public official under the appearance of authority – even if they are working for the benefit of another person. It sets up the ultimate “gray” zone of the law. “Whether a police officer acts under color of state law does not depend on whether he or she is on duty,” Peck said. And, “not every off-duty police officer will be considered as acting under color of law simply because he or she is serving in a security position. For example, the courts ruled that a part-time campus security officer who was also a part-time police officer did not act under color of state law in requesting students to appear at a college administrative hearing – it was clear he acted in his capacity as a campus security officer. “Similarly, an off-duty deputy working security at a racetrack was found not to have been acting under color of state law when he ejected a patron on instructions from the racetrack owner, because he was simply following the owner’s directive, not making an independent judgement as a police officer,” Peck continued. Rather, the situation for off-duty officers working security gets confusing when there is an injury or a shooting by the security officer who then acts as an off-duty officer, or a shoplifter is arrested by the security officer – is the individual acting as an off-duty police officer or a security officer? Does the security officer even have the right to shoot? niversity of Missouri-St. Louis criminology professor David Klinger said, “If you’re a police officer, and you see something that is either illegal or could be illegal, you have lawful authority to make an inquiry.” He said that increasingly, federal law encourages the behavior. In 2004, Congress passed the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, which permitted police to carry concealed firearms, whether they are on or off-duty, anywhere in the country. It was passed as a post-9/11 anti-terror measure, Klinger explained, over the objections of several national police
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organizations, who warned that the law would be putting more guns on the streets. However, for citizens, it can offer a conundrum, because when officers are working second jobs in a form of law enforcement, such as security, for which they’ve gotten approval from their department, they typically wear their police uniform. “This means that individuals perceive these cops as being on duty even though they are working private jobs,” Klinger said. As far as criminal liability, “the color of law,” regarding the nature of the officer’s off-duty might be considered by police, prosecutors, or courts, but ultimately, the law on deadly force “says you’re allowed to shoot when your life is in jeopardy,” Klinger pointed out. Then, whether the officer was on-duty or off-duty, the question will likely be was color of law respected in a fair and judicious manner, with the department having to own it either way if it’s a bad shooting. “As deputies, my officers are encouraged to always be prepared to protect, to have your weapon on you at all times,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “If you’re working security and you use your weapon – where is the liability? That’s why we don’t want them doing the job.” If an officer shoots and kills someone while stopping them on the street while they’re “off-duty,” but working in private security, where does the responsibility lie? If someone is employed full time as a police officer, they carry their police powers with them 24 hours a day in their jurisdiction, whether they’re on the job or not, which includes the power to arrest, use force and the power to shoot. o University of South Carolina’s Stoughton, there can be more subtle conflict of interest situations which can arise. He makes the case of two local bars, one which has hired off-duty cops; the other, which hasn’t. The bar with the off-duty cops, he said, will likely have less of a police paper trail, because if there are issues at the bar, the private officer will handle it quietly, and unless it’s a substantial situation, will not call in local police. The other bar, on the other hand, will have no choice but to call for police support any time a situation arises. “So that bar will have a substantial record, and it may come back up when it’s liquor license renewal time, and one could lose its license while the other doesn’t,” Stoughton said. “Also, are the officers who are dispatched, and the officers working the bar, going to handle the situations the same way? If I’m working for the bar, I’m going to take the interests of the bar owner into context. If I’m dispatched, my business is the law. Whenever we’re paid by someone, they have the potential to influence our decisions.” West Bloomfield Township Police Chief Mike Patton said an incident three years ago at a West Bloomfield jewelry store, where an off-duty officer was working security when an armed robbery occurred at the store, forced the department to change their policy to allow no conflict of interest and no security work in the township, “because they have law enforcement authority in West Bloomfield even when they’re off-duty. My law enforcement authority is pretty much tethered to my jurisdiction – to the boundaries of West Bloomfield, so you could have some conflicts of interest.” In the instance with the jewelry store robbery, there luckily wasn’t a physical intervention of force, “but there could have been,” Patton said, “so if the arresting officer was involved, are you detaining the criminals as security or as part of the government? We looked at it as, who has liability?”
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Patton said the township’s department has a policy where any outside employment must be pre-approved by the chief of police; it cannot impede with an officer’s regular work hours, and cannot bring any disrepute or impair the activities of the department. The only security work is when some officers are assigned, within the department, to some extra duty hours at the high school. “They can’t work at any jewelry stores, banks, or as security at any offices in West Bloomfield,” he said. “But if it’s just sitting watching monitors (as a security officer), that would be OK.” He does not permit any township resources or equipment, such as weapons or vehicles, to be used in any off-duty employment. “If someone were approved for some kind of a job with a firearm, they would need to obtain a CPL (concealed pistol license), and carry their own firearm, bullets and other equipment,” Patton said. “But to the best of my knowledge, no one is working in any kind of capacity (currently) where they are needing that. Generally, we have enough overtime available here – making enough money is up to you.” ouchard said the sheriff’s department has a policy that is “basically, first and foremost, prohibits anything that uses police power, with acceptable exceptions. You cannot utilize your police powers, like you can’t be a security guard, nor can it be a business that we regulate or oversee. So, if you run a gun shop outside of Oakland County, that could be OK.” But definitely not within the borders of Oakland County, as sheriff’s deputies oversee all county gun shops, and there could potentially be interaction. Bouchard said any second jobs for deputies must be on file as a request to the command staff of the office of the sheriff, must meet their criteria, and must be approved. “It’s a case-by-case review,” he said. He said of those who do hold extra jobs, “some people are artists, some do physical fitness training, some guys do construction jobs, trades, drywall,” he said. He explained the rationale for permitting the jobs that are clearly not a conflict, versus those that could potentially be incompatible. “If you’re hanging drywall, and the lady across the street gets robbed, we want you to run across the street and protect her. That’s always your job,” Bouchard said. He noted that if someone were working at a nightclub and someone were robbed, who would the deputy be loyal to first? “That’s the conflict.” “Any time you go any where, you carry your police powers – if you’re shopping at the mall and you thwart something, if it’s life and limb, you’re sworn to uphold. It’s no different than any other first responders,” said Troy Police Captain Frank Nastasi. “Even though you’re not being paid for 24 hours (of work), you’re representing the department 24 hours. Officers will report any incident where it would adversely reflect upon the department. It’s like a code of ethics – if there’s something, we need to know.” Nastasi said that doesn’t mean a Troy officer can’t hold a second job, but they can’t be in uniform representing themselves as a police officer, nor anything else that could be a conflict with their duties as an officer, and can’t carry their department weapon. “We have rules and regulations for off-duty employment as well as outside work applications through the city administration.” He said officers can’t do any work like bill collectors, processors, bail bondsmen, or work in the medical marijuana industry.
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Bloomfield Township Police Chief Scott McCanham said their department also has a policy permitting off-duty work with the permission of the chief – “but you can’t be employed as a bartender or anything involved with alcohol, including as a bouncer or as security at a bar. No one could work any other law enforcement or security jobs,” he said. “We also have rules as to the hours they work, which includes nothing on the days of their shifts, and we work 12-hour shifts. It severely limits it on days we work.” McCanham said Bloomfield Township officers typically work three days in a row as well as every other weekend, working seven days in a 14-day pay cycle. He said an average salary for officers with four years of experience is about $70,000. He said currently about 25 percent of the 90 employees in the department have submitted requests for secondary jobs for the year. “We do approve a fair amount of teaching, because of the amount of specialties we do, like expert witnesses, including at Oakland Academy. I teach there, for example,” he said of the police academy. Many other second jobs are “typical blue collar,” he said, in landscaping, construction or clerking in retail stores. “At none of these jobs could they have their weapons or wear their uniforms. They cannot wear their uniforms in any other capacity or gainful employment other than as a Bloomfield Township officer,” McCanham emphasized. Rochester Police Chief Steve Schettenhelm takes it a step further – Rochester police officers are permitted also to hold second jobs with permission from the chief, but in addition to not being around alcohol or security, “They are not permitted to be around various other establishments, including ones with precious metals, pawn shops, casinos, any place known criminals or police sources are known to congregate,” he said. “They cannot convert or use their police powers. Police officers cannot accept jobs as guards, store detectives, or any other job that converts their police powers. They can’t act as any kind of police officer.” ccording to Schettenhelm, who said the city’s policy was established about 10 years ago, an officer could have a weapon on them at another job – it just can’t be their department weapon, and would need to be their own private, and privately licensed, weapon. “The person hiring them would have to understand they are hiring a private citizen with this knowledge, training and experience – but who doesn’t have the police powers like at the police department.” Private investigative work by police officers is a topic that Peter Psarouthakis, owner of EWI & Associates in Chelsea, is particularly passionate about. Psarouthakis, the former president of the Michigan Council of Professional Investigators, said that in Michigan, professional investigators are licensed and governed by legislation. “It’s not ethical, and it’s a total conflict of interest for police officers” to work as professional investigators as a second job while still an officer, he said. He worked to lobby against allowing them to be permitted to work as investigators as second jobs when Public Act 285 of 1965 (Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act) was being updated in 1998. “We believe police officers shouldn’t be licensed as professional investigators if they are actively working in law enforcement,” Psarouthakis said. “If they’re retired, or leave the
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field, that’s different. We get a lot of people who were formerly in law enforcement. But when we were working with the legislature to update our licensing act, to have members of law enforcement who are active to not be allowed to moonlight, it did not occur because the police unions showed up and fought it hard.” He said the problem is that there are instances of law enforcement officers utilizing information that they could only have gotten by accessing as members of law enforcement – “that no one else has, and is restricted under the law to only law enforcement. Also, some members of law enforcement are required to carry their badges on them at all times – are they investigators or law enforcement when they’re out there conducting interviews for their clients? There are lots of similarities between the work of investigators and law enforcement.” In Royal Oak, that isn’t a problem, as chief Corey O’Donohue said that in addition to security work, he prohibits professional investigating work, working with any business with a Michigan Liquor Commission License, and “nothing specifically prohibits working with medical marijuana, but I have language that prohibits it, and I would not permit an officer to be involved,” he said. He said there are some departments where a spouse owns a business with a liquor license, such as a party store or a restaurant, “ and we do not obviously have any control over that, but the employee can’t work there,” even in their off hours. “Our officers are scheduled for 40 hours a week, and there’s a fair amount of overtime – some like it, and some don’t,” O’Donohue said, noting that some, such as for Arts, Beats & Eats over Labor Day weekend, “everybody has to work.” In Royal Oak, he said, not a lot of extra work is approved by him, with the most common request currently is for coaching, such as at the high school level, where coaches are compensated. “It just can’t be in conflict with their shifts,” he noted. One command officer, he said, has a DJ business, “and he does a great job.” O’Donohue, along with several of the chiefs, said he is noting that there is a generational shift away from moonlighting. “Our younger officers are less interested,” he said. “My first few years, I worked midnights and laid cement during the day.” irmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence has noted the difference among millennial officers, as well. “In the old days, everyone had second jobs,” he said. “I had part time jobs for my first 10 years on the job. I worked for schools, in sales jobs, which were more merchandising, and did insurance adjusting work on cars that had been in accidents. We work a lot of weekends, so you have some days in the week free.” Clemence said Birmingham also has a secondary job policy of no security work or anything related to police work, and only with permission of the chief of police, which can depend on their performance on the job. “I don’t want their part time work to have a conflict with their police work,” he said. “I don’t want them working at a bar or being a bouncer at a strip club.” Of Birmingham’s current 32 officers, he said there are only two who are working second jobs, one as a personal trainer, the other as part of a cleaning business. Bloomfield Hills public safety officers are combined police and fire officers, and work 24-hour shifts. “We work police, fire and EMS in 24-hour shifts,” said Det./Lt. Jeff Gormley, who said the
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department has a policy, with restrictions, for outside work. “They’re not allowed to have any other law enforcement work, and are greatly limited in their security work,” he said, noting they couldn’t be a bouncer at a bar, but could be a driver for someone to the airport, but never in their uniform or while using a city police vehicle. He said about a third of their officers are currently working second jobs. “We have the right to carry our weapons in our off hours, but our policies dictate what we can carry it for in our off hours,” Gormley said. any firefighters not only have second jobs, but “for the majority, this is their second job,” said Jeff Roberts, fire chief of the Wixom Fire Department who is president of the Southeast Michigan Fire Chiefs Association. “They’re trained to state fire standards and national certification of emergency medical technicians (EMT), but their regular jobs are the same as everyone else’s – they’re construction workers, carpenters, CAD (computer-aided design) designers, electricians, nurses, regional managers, work in retail. They all work about 200 hours a month in their firefighting jobs, including required training, but it’s very community-specific.” Bloomfield Township Chief Mike Morin concurred with Roberts. “This is really their second job,” he said. “We don’t govern what they do on their days off, other than union issues.” He said they typically work nine to 10 days a month, in 24hour shifts, with a 56-hour week typical. “We’ll work three days on, and have four days off,” he said. “It sounds like we get a lot of time off, and we do, but we’re also working at 2 a.m.” “Under our rules and regulations, they’re allowed to work off-duty employment with the approval of the chief,” said Birmigham Fire Department Chief John Connaughton, but they can’t have a conflict of interest with any other fire department. “That means no fire inspecting. You can’t paint the building that you inspected on the job.” He said traditionally many of the firefighters work in construction trades in their off hours, as electricians, carpenters, plumbers and roofers. Originally, that’s where volunteer firefighters came from in the early 1900s, he explained, “and during the day, they would go back to their regular jobs. As fire jobs became organized and paid, many would still moonlight in the trades.” Connaughton said he used to work at Beaumont and St. Joseph Mercy hospitals in the emergency rooms. “I’d start IVs, give medicines, which were some of the same things I would give out in the field to perfect my skills, besides earning money, and I was learning alongside physicians, which symptoms a physician would consider dangerous or serious, and that way I could bring that information back to the paramedics at the house and teach them,” he said. While both he and Morin said there are less firefighters working outside jobs, with Morin commenting that with many having two incomes coming in, off-duty firefighters are providing child care to their families, many still work trades, nursing and other work that comes in valuable to their work in the field. “It’s a good thing. Often, on a call, it’s a furnace or plumbing issue. There’s a shortage of trades and a shortage of firefighters,” Morin pointed out. “You won’t get an electrician in under six minutes.”
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Reggie Jackson rowing up as an “Air Force brat” may have had an unintended benefit for Detroit Pistons’ point guard Reggie Jackson. “We were always flying around from city to city,” Jackson said. “I was born in Italy, then we moved to England, then to North Dakota, then Georgia, then to Florida, and then Colorado.” He said the non-stop moving around and on-the-go lifestyle prepared him for life in the NBA, where trades are common and travel is a constant. “We’re always flying around, city to city. I love the excitement of playing in a new city, in a new arena,” he said. Jackson, who lives in Oakland Township, has been with the Detroit Pistons since 2015, when he was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder. While injured much of last season, he said he is healthy and ready to play in the Pistons’ new home in Detroit at Little Caesar’s Arena, which they opened on October 18. “I’m good, I’m ready. Everything feels good. I can’t wait to play in the new LCA and make our mark there. I expect to bring the same energy but a new excitement. It’s a proud thing to have Detroit on your jersey and to play in the city,” he noted. “I think the fans are very excited, and will really embrace it.” As a youngster, basketball was not the only sport Jackson enjoyed, playing a lot of soccer when they lived in England and football in the snow in Colorado, but basketball was the sport he competed against his two older brothers the hardest. “They’re good. One played college. They’re the best I knew,” he said. “I was always inspired to be the best, and I worked to be better.”
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That competitive drive worked well for Jackson, and the brotherly bond remains strong. Brother Travis lives with him, and his girlfriend joins them when she’s in town. “I hang with him the most. I’m a homebody when I’m not playing, and we play videogames and watch movies. We really feel like we have a home together. I’ve seen a lot of the world, so in my down time, I just like to hang at home.” Another passion Jackson has is reading, and it’s one he is using as a tool to give back to the community with his DETermined to Assist Foundation, which is creating literacy lounges in Title I schools in Detroit and providing students with age-appropriate books and a space designed to make reading fun. “My brother got me into reading, and it was a gift. I want to give it back,” Jackson said. “Once you know yourself, it’s easier to understand everything around you. I want to give inner city kids the same hope and opportunity I had. When you read a book, it becomes your journey, not just the writer’s.” Jackson said he loves all genres of books. “One day I’ll read a kid’s book, another to challenge me, meditation, anything I can learn from.” When he’s not practicing, reading, or hanging out, his favorite thing is to chow down, often with his two best friends on the team, Andre Drummond and Stanley Johnson. “We definitely will go eat,” he laughed. “I’m a brunch guy. The Rochester Brunch House – they’re my place. I also like Hudson Cafe downtown.” Story: Lisa Brody
MUNICIPAL Development impact study authorized By Kevin Elliott
Rochester officials seeking a crystal ball to determine the future impact of development projects in the city approved partial funding on Monday, October 9, for the development of a community sustainability impact analysis. "When you make a decision on a development, the good side of it is tax base. Let's say we can bring in two to three times million more of taxes to our general fund if 80 percent of these new projects that are on the horizon are approved. Pretty cool. That keeps tax base down, it keeps the burden off the tax payers and helps us pay for infrastructure. But there's a cost to it," said Rochester Deputy City Manager and Economic Development Director Nik Banda. "It could be traffic congestion, it could be people getting burned out on what we (the city) are becoming. Everybody wants to balance that, and the only way to balance it is a community-wide look." To provide that look into the future, Banda recommended, at the behest of the city's planning commission, that city council approve contracting with McKenna Associates to create a sustainability impact analysis. The analysis would look at the aggregate development pressures on the city from projects in their totality, rather than just looking at them as individual projects. "This impact analysis will do just that – take the aggregate of proposals we are reviewing along with future buildout opportunities that may come before us with adjustment to the master plan and all of the zoning classifications we have been modifying in the last 12 months and be a guide for both us as well as potential developers, as to how we navigate their requests in Rochester," Banda said. John Jackson, owner of McKenna Associates, presented the city with a proposal for the analysis in the amount of $56,300. He said he believes the cost of the analysis could be born from increased application fee revenues received from site plans, special exception, special project fees for potential projects. While Banda said he agreed on the funding aspect, he noted the city's current fee structure is "woefully inadequate" and doesn't currently cover the cost of planning consultant fees, let alone the downtownpublications.com
Rochester Hills among most livable cities ochester Hills was the only city in Michigan to be named on Friday, October 13, to the list of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" as compiled by 24/7 Wall St., LLC, a financial news and opinion company. Coming in at number 14 on the list of the top 50 cities to live in, the authors note the high test scores of the city's high school students and the percent of college-educated residents, along with Rochester Hills' low crime rate and soaring home values. "High school students in Rochester Hills test better than students in any city in Michigan other than Troy or Ann Arbor, and 57.3 percent of adults have at least a bachelor's degree – far more than the 31.3 percent of adults nationwide," the article states. "Rochester Hills is also largely devoid of the violent crime that plagues much of the Detroit metro area." While comparing a city of about 73,000 residents of an outer-ring suburb to an urban core emerging from bankruptcy with more than a half-million residents isn't exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, officials noted following the release of the report, Rochester Hills leaders rightfully trumpeted its findings. "Our entire team is focused every day on being the pre-eminent place to live, work and raise a family," Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said in a news release touting the ranking. "To have those efforts validated both as number one in Michigan and in the top 15 nationally is a recognition our entire community is responsible for." The city's new release adds to the report, noting that the city is home to two universities and three "blue ribbon" schools, a status of excellence coveted by schools across the nation. The report's authors note the rankings consider a community's economic strength, unemployment, crime rate, education, housing affordability and median income. The list also considers access to cultural amenities, eateries and other desired attractions. "Most of the best cities have relatively easy access to similar attractions in nearby major cities such as Denver, Minneapolis, New York and Washington D.C.," the authors stated, suggesting livability is dependent, at least in part, on a city's proximity to a large urban core. The latter is particularly noteworthy when considering 24/7 Wall St. in 2016 ranked Detroit as the second "Worst Cities to Live In" in a list of 50 across the country. The 2016 list provoked the ire of other cities in Michigan, which included "8. Flint, Michigan" and "28. Lansing, Michigan."
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proposed analysis. Banda instead recommended using building department review costs to cover the costs of the analysis, which he said are at an all-time high. While city council members at the meeting were all in favor of having an analysis conducted like the one being presented, some questioned whether the scope would be expanded to include the greater community outside of the core downtown area. Some council members questioned the cost of the study and why a request for bids wasn't conducted to consider other firms and competitive prices. Councilwoman Ann Peterson said she wasn't sure any other company would have the same knowledge about the city that McKenna has and be able to provide an analysis at a lower cost. However, she questioned the scope of the study. "I'm concerned it was only for the
downtown district. I would like it for the whole city – any redevelopment of any neighborhood," Peterson said. McKenna Associates is under contract with the city as its planning consultant, and is the firm responsible for drafting the city's master plan, which lays out longterm development goals of the city. The ability to develop a future sustainability impact study was included in McKenna's request for proposal as its planning consultant which was approved by city council, Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing said. That pitch and McKenna's familiarity with the city were two factors in recommending the analysis be conducted by the firm and not be let out to the competitive bid process. "I think it should go out to bid," said councilman and former mayor Stuart Bikson. "Institutional knowledge is one reason we didn't
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go out to bid for all those years (with prior councils). For $50,000 not to bid it, I think that's wrong. I can't support it unless it's bid out to other companies." City council approved contracting with McKenna to conduct the analysis on the condition that the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) agree to contribute $20,000 of its own money to pay for it. The motion, which was introduced by councilman Ben Giovanelli, who also serves on the DDA board, was approved by a vote of 6-1, with Stuart Bikson in opposition. The Rochester DDA Board on Wednesday, October 18, approved contributing $20,000 toward the analysis. Councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson said at the October 9 meeting that while there is some angst about the cost of the study, massive pressure is on the planning commission and council to move projects than will ultimately be approved, creating a need for such a tool to assess what projects are best for the city. "The reality of the property market in Rochester, that for commercial real estate, even with significant environmental contamination, is approaching in excess of $1 million an acre. The property owners who are selling are commanding huge sums of money," Cutherbertson said, referencing a recent office building development at a brownfield redevelopment site. "This conversation puts a bow on why we need this study. “I would also note that to bid it out after the fact is basically saying, 'here's the project plan, now you have to beat this number, and then hope you can get something by December 1 because we have a bunch of developments that need to be considered.’”
Recipes Restaurant gets liquor license Recipes Restaurant, with locations in Troy and Farmington Hills, is preparing to open a Rochester location in October, following approval on Monday, September 25, by city council for a liquor license transfer to its new location at 134 W. University. Known for its brunch and breakfast menus at its Troy location that opened in 2003, Recipes founder Trung Huynh joined with Joshua Demski with plans to expand Huynh's brand to Rochester. The owners on Monday, September 25 went before Rochester City Council 39
members for a public hearing and request to transfer a Class C liquor license to the restaurant. The hearing and formal request was set in late August, at which point council instructed the owners to have a copy of the proposed menu, a lease agreement and be able to address concerns about the status of the Troy location Demski told Downtown newsmagazine in July that he joined with Huynh to open the Rochester location, who intends to keep the two existing Recipes locations open and in operation. He said they were hoping to open the Rochester location in early October. "We found a space that is walkable to downtown, and there are a few hundred parking spaces behind us by the Paint Creek and that run along to city hall and the park," Demski said. "I live in Rochester Hills, so it's close for us and we have family and friends in the area." Demski said the menu will follow the same style as that of the Troy location, which features breakfast, brunch and casual dining. "You have a lot of brunch houses, and a lot of those come from the Coney Island background, and roll into a brunch arena. We come from a healthy, little more gourmet background; then there are the Asian dishes," Demski said. "That is Trung's flare, and those dishes do extremely well on the menu, so you have a different flare." The restaurant's drink menu will include a Michelada, or "Dead Farmer's Bloody Mary� with Witbier; mimosas; beermosas, cidermosas, bellinis, and caipirnha, or cachaca, lime and sugar. The drinks match with an extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu that includes gourmet pancakes; frittatas; eggs benedict; omelets; various types of hash; skillets; sandwiches; salads and Asian house specials, such as lettuce wraps, panasian noodles; Thai chicken noodles; pad thai and chicken scaloppini. Council members unanimously approved the request to transfer the liquor license.
90-day vaping permit moratorium approved Rochester City Council on Monday, September 25, passed a 90-day moratorium on the issuance of any and all permits or approvals for vaping, as well as the sales of vaping products in multi-unit commercial buildings. 40
Innovation Hills Park donation will let improvement start By Kevin Elliott
lans for a series of waterfalls and ponds that will flow through a portion of Innovation Hills Park in Rochester Hills will soon be underway with the assistance of a donation from the Modetz family. The contribution from local philanthropists John and Mary Modetz, who own and operate Modetz Funeral Homes, will be used to build one of the first features of the park: a waterfall at the entrance of the park. The waterfall will serve as the focal point and first impression guiding guests to the central pond. A series of six ponds and waterfalls, flowing under two walkways, will serve as a bioswale and recreational experience at the same time, allowing people to watch, listen and touch the moving water as they enter Innovation Hills, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said. "We are so grateful for community leaders like the Modetz family who have so generously supported this new park," he said. The donation is one of several contributions the family has made to the greater Rochester-area. The family has provided major funding for the development of pocket parks in Rochester, assisted the Boy Scouts, Rochester College and Ascension Crittenton Hospital. "This donation for Innovation Hills is an investment in our community's future," Mary Modetz said. "People from all over southeast Michigan will enjoy a recreational experience unlike any other and our family wanted to be part of this legacy." Formerly called Riverbend Park, the 100-plus-acre park at 2800 W. Hamlin Road was renamed Innovation Hills, with plans to develop the park as the largest outdoor classroom in the region, with a variety of hands-on educational opportunities to promote learning and long term appreciation of nature. The park includes undeveloped woodlands, wetland and prairie habitat, and trails and boardwalks with views of the Clinton River. Development of the park is being undertaken through a mix of public and private funding, with several phases relying on charitable contributions.
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Rochester City Attorney Jeff Kragt said the moratorium was requested by council so that the city's planning commission could address the issue of vaping uses in multi-tenant commercial buildings. Council, in its discussion of the moratorium, requested the measure be expanded to include on-site sales or vaping products, as well. Two men who said they were hoping to open a vape shop at 109 S. Main Street spoke to city council during the meeting to say they didn't intend to allow on-site use of vaping products. One of the men, who identified himself as Nick, said his partner Maurice's father used to smoke several packs of cigarettes a day until he traded in the habit for vaping. "Our main mission is to help people to stop smoking," Nick said, saying they were concerned about the health of those in the community. "We aren't a hangout shop." Councilwoman Ann Peterson said she doesn't know enough about vaping products firsthand, but that a
presentation by one of the police department's school liaison officers to council about the use of vaping products by high school and middle school students suggested it was problematic. "I don't know enough about it, so I have to rely on my police force to decide if its a good thing coming into the community," she said. In May, city council approved increasing penalties for underage offenses of e-cigarette use. Electronic cigarettes are devices that resemble cigarettes, but use an internal heating mechanism to warm refillable liquids into an aerosol, or vapor, which can be inhaled. The process is known as vaping. Councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson said the intention of the moratorium was to protect other commercial tenants in buildings where on-site vaping may be done. Current land use and zoning regulations, he said, don't have any prohibitions on such uses in buildings that may share an air system. The moratorium, he said, will allow the planning commission
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time to address the issue before any such uses are permitted. "Superheating chemicals that are at base not real well understood on how they interact with human physiology – I'm not sure we are at a point where we can say this is healthy," he said. "I appreciate it may be somewhat better than someone smoking a cigarette, but to call it 'healthy' is a bridge too far." Councilman Stuart Bikson echoed Cuthbertson's concern. "At Waterford Mott High School, if you are caught vaping, you are immediately suspended," he said. "For you to come in and say its like a health food store – it's really preposterous." The moratorium was unanimously approved by council.
Brooksie Way funds Innovation Hills trail In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Brooksie Way, the foundation has elected to fund a 11.17
Planning rejects clinic inside RARA By Kevin Elliott
request for a proposed private medical office inside the existing Rochester Avon Recreation Authority (RARA) building that would house an orthopedic spine and therapy clinic was tabled indefinitely on Monday, October 2, by the Rochester Planning Commission, which said the request can't be accommodated under the property's current zoning designation. Under the proposal, RARA in early September said it hoped to lease out some of its interior space at its facility at 480 E. Second Street in Rochester to a private medical provider for an orthopedic spine and sports therapy clinic. The request initially caught the attention of both Rochester and Rochester Hills city council members in September who questioned the appropriateness of a public entity leasing out space in its building to a private business. While both city councils approved RARA's 2018 budget, which included projected income from the lease, RARA Director Ron Jewell said the budget could withstand an amendment in the event that the lease didn't move forward. Rochester planning consultant Vidya Krishnan, with McKenna Associates, said that when the plans were initially reviewed that it was assumed that the clinic would only be providing services to RARA members and therefore could be considered an ancillary use to the principal recreation use to RARA. However, the applicant explained that the proposed use would be open to the general public, meaning the clinic would have a second primary use in the same building as RARA. "We have reviewed the use proposed and found it to be not uncommon in community recreation facilities in other communities," Krishnan said. "However, since the use is open to the general public, it is no different than a medical office use, and would be considered a second principal use which is compatible with the main use, but not ancillary." The issue, Krishnan said, is that the only clinics permitted in the industrial zoned property are psychiatric clinics, not medical offices. Further, she said special exception uses still don't permit medical clinics in the property, as currently zoned. "At this time, I believe the orthopedic clinic is not permitted under the B-1 criteria as earlier thought," she said. "However, it is a compatible and reasonable use. If the planning commission should choose to do so, the option would be to consider a zoning text amendment to the I-1 district to allow the use to take place, as a complimentary and compatible use of the principal use on the site." Planning commission member and city councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson, noting that the RARA's facility primary use is permitted in the zoning district under a special exception, said the idea of having two principal permitted uses that are inconsistent with the industrial zoning designation appears to be out of character with the zoning plans. "Perhaps this isn't zoned right as industrial, and as we move forward with the master plan, we change it then," he said. "But it seems like we are straining to find uses." Commission member and Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin said she agreed. "I'm fine with it staying this way," she said. "We keep trying to find ways to make people fit for everyone that comes in here. It's difficult." Rochester Deputy City Manager and Planning and Economic Development Director Nik Banda said the city can relay the information to the applicant that it appears they are unable to follow the city's current ordinance under the application as presented. Under the current master plan, the property is recommended to be zoned as multi-family residential zoning. The current industrial zoning allows the recreation use under a special exception, but does not permit medical offices under a special exception. City attorney Jeff Kragt said tabling the proposal allows the applicant to ask for the application to be withdrawn or to come back in November and make a pitch to the commission as to why they believe the use should be permitted. If they are denied, the applicant may then request the matter to be taken up with the city's zoning board of appeals. The commission voted unanimously to table the request for a site plan and special exception approval.
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$30,000 mini-grant application to name a section of the trail at Rochester Hills' Innovation Park as the "Brooksie Way" trail. The 10th annual McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon was held on September 24, adjacent to the trail that winds along the Clinton River. The path highlights the natural beauty of the more than 113 acres of wetlands and woods at the park, formerly known as Riverbend Park. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson created the Brooksie Way mini-grant program to use proceeds from the Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K to promote healthy, active lifestyles for Oakland County residents in memory of his son, Brooks Stuart “Brooksie� Patterson, who died in a snowmobile accident in 2007. "The Brooksie Way has always been one of our community's biggest events and this investment will allow us to provide additional recreational opportunities for thousands of people in the region," said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. "We're so honored that they have chosen us to help make this park the best place to walk, run or bike in the rgion." Innovation Hills, located at W. Hamlin Road, includes more than 100 acres of undeveloped woodlands, wetlands and prairie habitat, as well as the largest outdoor classroom in the region.
Purchases to limit increase for bids Rochester City Council members on Monday, October 23, approved the introduction and first reading of an ordinance amendment to raise the threshold for purchases requiring a competitive bid process from $2,000 to $15,000. The change came at the recommendation of Rochester City Attorney Jeffrey Kragt, who said it stemmed from a recent review of policies and other updates to city procedures. Under the city's charter, the threshold for purchases and disposal of city property is set by ordinance. Kragt said the current thresholds have been in place since 1965 and were later codified in 1982. Those now need to be changed in order to make purchases in an efficient manner, he said. "Two thousand dollars in 1965 equates to a value of approximately $15,000 in today's dollars," he said.
"While there have been discussions on inserting a threshold in excess of this figure and below this figure, for discussion purposes, $15,000 was deemed to be appropriate in light of the 1965 threshold established." The threshold determines what purchases are required to go to competitive bidding by way of sealed bids and those on a smaller scale that competitive pricing may be obtained by way of direct contact with vendors to get pricing on a more informal basis. Lower cost items would still require a contract or purchase order reflecting the purchase, he said. The proposed amendment would also update methods of obtaining pricing, including electronic means and bidding in conjunction with other governmental agencies in competitive bidding opportunities, which often procure lower prices on items than if the city bid by itself. Because the city charter prescribing the purchasing policy is defined by city ordinance, Kragt recommended the city consider a charter revision at some point in the future to bring it into alignment. "While significant purchases still are required to go through this process and be brought before city council, it is administration's belief that the routine purchases of items, such as consumable supplies, need not be brought before city council for approval each time," Kragt said. "We have met with the city auditor on these items and (she) doesn't object to these changes, especially if a charter revision is going to be considered at some point in the future." Revisions to the city charter must be approved by a vote of city residents. The current city charter section regarding purchasing and contractual procedure specifically states that "all expenditures for supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services involving more than $2,000 shall be made on written contract, and such contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after such public notice and competition as may be prescribed by ordinance: Provided, however, that council shall have the power to reject all bids and advertise again." Council unanimously approved the introduction of the ordinance amendment as well as a motion to look at sometime in 2018 to draft a charter amendment for consideration.
Landmark tree removal request nixed By Kevin Elliott
request by a Rochester developer to remove a 30.5-inch-wide Red Oak tree along Pine Street, north of Glendale, to help facilitate plans for a condominium project was rejected on Monday, October 9, by Rochester City Council members. In August, developer Jake Bolyard requested permission to remove the tree in order to continue with construction of Pine Knoll Estates, an eightunit, single-family residential condominium development on the east side of Pine Street, just north of Glendale Court. The project already includes the removal of more than five dozen well-established trees. However, the size and species of the tree in question classifies it as a specially protected tree under the city's tree ordinance. Under the ordinance, the removal of any landmark or historic tree is prohibited without a resolution passed by city council approving such removal. Requests are subject to a public hearing, with notice given to all neighbors within 300 feet of the property on which the tree is located. "It shall be the burden of the applicant to demonstrate that there is good reason to remove said landmark tree such that public interest in retaining a landmark tree or historic tree is outweighed by the applicant's need to remove it," the ordinance mandates. Rochester resident Paul Wintermantle, who has lived on Glendale near the property since 1950, spoke in favor of keeping the tree and questioned the value of removing it. Resident Sue Douglas said Bolyard should be permitted to remove the tree, asserting that property rights trump tree rights. "I love trees myself. I really do," said Bolyard, who owns Bolyard Lumber. "If we could save the tree, I would like to save the tree. In this case, the tree will lose 60 percent of its roots and has a low chance for survival." Plans for the condominium development were submitted to the city by a previous developer and approved in 2013 by the Rochester Planning Commission, prior to Bolyard purchasing the property. The planning commission at that time required the protection of the tree as part of their approval of the project. Bolyard has since submitted engineering plans to the city for all the site utilities and grading work, along with two building permit applications for the construction of two spec homes, one of which will affect the tree. Deputy City Manager Nik Banda said the city's department of public works reviewed the plans and found there isn't room to move the utilities further away from the tree, and a service water lead in the location would impact the tree root system as well as the trench for the water and sewer pipes. That, along with the proximity of the proposed home foundation, will certainly affect the tree in the long run. "We explored every engineering angle to take the pressure off the tree root system but the final design was not able to totally remove that risk," Banda said. Councilwoman Ann Peterson noted that Rochester is known for its oak trees, and that the ordinance is in place to protect them. "Every time we have a tree like this come before us – we have an ordinance that says we can't cut down the tree, but we have a way to say ‘remove it.’ Or if a tree is damaged during construction, then it comes down," she said. "It's not fair to us for a developer to make that decision. I suggest moving the building, which would make it not look so cookie cutter." Rochester councilwoman Kim Russell said the city is already losing 64 trees to the project. With projects taking down so many trees, she said, the city is losing its canopy to development. Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin agreed. "The goal of the ordinance is the protection of the canopy," she said. "We are a tree city." Councilman Jeffrey Cuthbertson said the planning commission's approval of the project had specific requirements outlining the tree be saved. He suggested changing construction plans to accommodate the tree's survival. "I'm not sure placing a house six feet from the centerline of a tree is compliant with the idea of preserving the tree," he said. "Where the house is placed is at the discretion of the developer, and placing it so close to the tree is part of the challenge we face. "As it relates to utilities, the water, which is an inexpensive piece of pipe, can be routed around the tree at virtually no or low cost. Moreover, adjusting the placement of the house to give the tree breathing room is inherently possible and would be what the planning commission envisioned with the layout." Council voted unanimously to reject the request.
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Regulating places of worship considered Rochester Hills City Council members on Monday, October 23, approved temporarily halting the conversion of residential dwellings into places of worship while the city looks into the possibility of regulating the process in the future. The issue comes on the heels of the approval of a site plan on Monday, October 17 by the Rochester Hills Planning Commission to renovate a 1,300square-foot home at 1167 Brewster Road to accommodate Detroit Meeting Rooms. That plan includes the addition of a parking lot for meetings, which would be held Sunday mornings and Monday evenings. The conversion also calls for a paved circular drive for fire access and erecting a fence and landscaping to create a buffer from neighboring properties. Rochester Hills Director of Planning and Development Sara Roediger said places of worship are uses permitted by right in most zoning districts in the city, including one-family residential districts. "Because the site plan met all of the city ordinances, the planning commission approved the site plan. However many commission members indicated their discomfort with the idea of converting an existing structure that had been built, historically used for and surrounded by residential uses," she said in a letter to city council members. "Following approval of the site plan for Detroit Meeting Rooms, the commission made a motion to request the city council adopt a temporary moratorium on the conversion of residential dwellings to places of worship to allow city staff and the planning commission time to study and recommend to city council possible ordinance changes to regulate the conversion of residential dwellings to places of worship in a fashion that is compatible and harmonious with the character of, and residents' reasonable expectations in, residential neighborhoods." Councilwoman Stephanie Morita, who serves on the planning commission, said the planning commission struggled with approving the site plan because it involves a residence surrounded by residential homes. "When you buy your home you don't expect it to back onto a meeting house basically if there's a
residence behind it," she said. Morita said the moratorium will give the planning department time to draft an ordinance to give more options to the commission in future events to protect residential properties. "My concern was that they are going to be using this property very early in the morning, and you're going to have headlights now coming into this property. They are expecting 40 people on average, coming at 5:30 in the morning on a Sunday," she said. "From a neighbor's perspective, that's not ideal. We would like to have some additional tools and protections available to our residents and planning commission to more appropriately develop these." Council approved the 180-day moratorium on the conversion of such properties into places of worship. The moratorium doesn't apply to places of worship that have already received council approval.
Pocket park open in downtown Rochester The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Monday, October 9, announced the opening of the city's new pocket p[ark at the corner of Walnut and University, on the north side of the Walnut parking structure. The park is one of two constructed by the DDA this year in response to requests from the community for additional downtown gathering spaces, said DDA Director Kristi Trevarrow. In creating the parking structure, the city vacated part of Walnut Street to allow for the creation of the park. Improvements include benches, grass and native plantings, as well as a memorial monument and plaque. Those improvements were funded by a donation from the Modetz family. The park is one of two new parks underway this year. A northern park, at University and Walnut, dubbed Promenade Park, will include a Wall of Fame, which will allow individuals, families and businesses to sponsor plaques. The funds will support capital improvement in the downtown district. The city, which owns the land where the parks are located, approved the park projects in April with a $168,000 budget for reconstruction. Seeking additional funding, the city partnered with the DDA to complete the parks.
BUSINESS MATTERS Asian specialty restaurant “Farm-to-wok” is the food philosophy at P.F. Chang’s, 122 N. Adams Road, in Rochester Hills, at The Village of Rochester Hills. The location is the latest offering from the chain started in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming. The newly opened restaurant is 5,861 square-feet and features 158 seats, including a 32-seat outdoor patio. Created to honor a 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking, P.F. Chang’s offers a menu of Asian dishes, including its popular lettuce wraps, dumplings, Mongolian beef, hand-rolled sushi and dim sum. The restaurant also offers a complete wine, beer and cocktail menu. “We’re excited to open our doors in Rochester Hills,” said Hal Lawlor, P.F. Chang’s regional vice president. “Our guests will enjoy our Farm-to-Wok scratch cooking food philosophy, where we use only wholesome ingredients, purposeful recipes and the power of the fiery wok.” The restaurant chain owns and operates more than 300 locations in the United States and 22 countries and territories. The Rochester Hills location is the eighth in Michigan.
Benvenuto D’Marcos A new Italian restaurant and wine bar will fill the vacancy of the former Rojo Mexican Bistro, 401 N. Main, in Rochester, which closed around October 1. The location is now undergoing a compete overhaul and renovation, said Michael Thomas, who expects to open D’Marcos by late December or early January with his business partner Mark Mendola. Interior work is being done by Birmingham-based Ron & Roman designers, and will feature a 75-seat dining room, a 55-seat wine bar and lounge, and a 50-seat private dining room with a service/event bar. Thomas said the bar area will feature lively entertainment Thursdays through Sundays, and the lounge will offer cozy sofas and chairs for a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Two dozen wines will be available by the glass, with 40 to 50 available by the bottle. The menu will feature Italian classics with a modern twist, using high quality seafood and meats, fresh and dried pastas and other fresh ingredients. A large menu of small plates and appetizers will be available through midnight. D’Marcos will be the second Rochester-area location for Thomas, who has been in the food industry since 1980, and operated Rustica Europa in Rochester Hills for about seven years. Mendola’s most downtownpublications.com
recent restaurant, Huerto Restaurant and Tequila Bar, opened in 2013 in West Bloomfield.
Theater renovations A multi-million dollar upgrade and expansion at Emagine Theater, 200 Barclay Circle in Rochester Hills, is expected to be unveiled in midNovember. The nearly $3 million expansion includes about 15,000 additional square feet of space to accomodate three new screens, including a large-format Dolby Atmos EMAX Theater. The EMAX theater features a 50-foot-wide, high resolution 4K screen that runs from floor-to-ceiling and specialty surround sound audio. There will be about 400 additional seats included in the total expansion, said Paul Glantz, Emagine Entertainment CEO. “Rochester Hills has been a good market for us, and the theater has performed very well. The only thing missing was this premium, large format screen,” Glantz said. “We wanted to make sure we aren’t acting as a magnet for competitors by not fully serving the market, so when the opportunity came about, we decided to jump on it.” The theater currently houses 10 auditoriums with three different seat types, including recliners, rockers and D-Box chairs, which move with the action on the screen. “It’s a substantial investment, there’s no question about that,” Glantz said about the addition. “It almost dwarfs the existing building.”
Local gem retiring Heller’s Jewelry, 409 S. Main, in Rochester will be closing by the end of the year after 55 years in business at its downtown Rochester location. George Heller, who took over the business in 1980 from his parents, Ernest and Violet Heller, said he is finally following through on his “threats to retire” and will be closing the shop by year’s end. The store, he said, will remain open through the holiday shopping season. The jewelry store was unique in that both George and his father were master watchmakers, offering in-store repairs and their own brand of watches, as well as clocks and jewelry. Ernest and Violet Heller purchased the former Lamoreaux Jewelry Store in 1961 and the business has run in the same location since. Heller said he had been considering retirement since his father passed in the early 1990s. Heller will retain ownership of the building and said he is in the process of securing a new tenant. A
downtown Rochester official said the store is expected to undergo a full renovation in 2018 for a possible artisan market. Heller said more information would be available as agreements are finalized.
Therapeutic care services Massage Heights, 3050 Walton Blvd., at The Village of Rochester Hills, is under new ownership as Jennifer and Paul Bialy are the new franchisees of the therapeutic massage and facial service. The couple said they are transitioning into the new business with the assistance of the company’s franchise support team. Jennifer has managerial background experience with customer service, recruiting and operations management. Paul is a vice president and controller for a global manufacturing company. The couple said they have a passion for the wellness industry. “The franchise support has been wonderful as I have transitioned from a corporate position into a new industry that I didn’t have expertise with,” Paul said. Massage Heights franchises offer membershipbased therapeutic services, including massage and skin therapy.
Realtor honored Michigan Realtors recently named North Oakland County Board of Realtors member Tom Kotzian as its 2017 Michigan Realtor of the Year. Kotzian, the managing associate broker for CENTURY 21 Town & Country,1460 Walton Blvd., in Rochester, is the current 2017 President for the North Oakland County Board of Realtors; a director for the National Association of Realtors; a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, Rochester Chapter; and the only National Association of Realtors certified planning facilitator in Michigan. He is also a past president of the Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors; Realtor-of-theYear and past chairman of the State of Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons; the BirminghamBloomfield WCR Member-of-the-Year and the WCR Lake Pointe Chapter 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year; and has earned several other awards and recognitions throughout his distinguished career.
Brunch, lunch joint New breakfast, brunch and lunch options are being served at a new Recipes Restaurant, 134 W. University, in Rochester. Located in a
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former hookah lounge, the restaurant is the third location started by owner Trung Huynh with the help of his business partner Joshua Demski. Huynh opened his first location in 2003 in Troy, offering casual dining and traditional breakfast, brunch and lunch options, as well as specialty Asian fare. The Troy location was followed by a Farmington Hills location. The Rochester spot will be Demski’s first pairing with Huynh after marrying a family member. “I got to know him and was looking for other opportunities. He has good brand recognition in Troy and has been looking for years to expand, but it takes capital and the right location.” The Rochester location, Demski said, is walkable to downtown and near the Paint Creek. It’s also close to both of their Rochester Hills homes. The new location will be about twice the size of the Troy location, but offer much of the same menu. “You have a lot of brunch houses, and a lot of those come from the coney island background, and roll into a brunch arena. We come from a healthy, little more gourmet background, then there are the Asian dishes,” Demski said. “That is Trung’s flair, and those dishes do extremely well on the menu, so you have a different flair.” Recipes also offers a limited drink menu, with Bloody Marys, mimosas, “beermosa” and “cidermosa,” bellinis and other offerings.
Ascension Crittenton Crittenton Hospital and Medical Center, 1101 W. University Drive, in Rochester, has been renamed Ascension Crittenton Hospital following the acquisition of the hospital in 2015 by Ascension, the largest nonprofit health system in the United States and the world’s largest Catholic health system. The renaming is the first of several hospitals in the metro Detroit area that will carry the Ascension name, including St. John Providence and others throughout the state. The name change comes while the hospital celebrates its 50th anniversary. On August 1967, Crittenton treated its first patients. Ascension Crittenton Hospital now has a medical staff of nearly 500 physicians, representing a wide range of medical specialities, including primary, secondary and tertiary-level care. 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. 43
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Rachel Lee Williams t sweet 16, Rachel Lee Williams created a three-song original CD with the help of producers Bryan Reilly and metro Detroit music veteran and author Stewart Francke, who recently published a memoir about his long struggle with leukemia, “What Don’t Kill Me Just Makes Me Strong.” Williams connected with Francke not only on a musical level — she also has a cancer survivor in her family, her father, Kevin, who is also a musician and a strong influence in her career. A prodigy of Jennifer Kincer Vocal Coaching in Rochester Hills, Rachel credits much of her success to her teacher and mentor. “The reason I’m so visible is because of Jennifer and all she’s done to support me,” shares the curly haired singer, born and raised in Rochester. Williams refers to her style as acoustic pop. “A lot of my songs are more of a ballad style or slow,” she explains. “… but I’m working on writing more upbeat songs while still staying true to my genre.” Rachel taught herself guitar and began writing songs at age 13. She then cultivated an interest in piano and was classically trained by Nina Flanigan, also of Rochester. At 14, Rachel was singing in her church choir and went on to perform in the Rochester Adams High School Choir. She completed an internship for the Michigan Opera Theatre’s Rackham Symphony Choir’s “Too Hot to Handel,” in her junior year. After working as one of Kincer’s assistant teachers, working with others became infectious for the Oakland University student. “I enjoy working on things people are passionate about,” she shares. Her passion to give back goes beyond music. She has volunteered for Pontiac’s Bound Together after school tutoring program, funded by in-
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kind donations from the American Association of University Women. “This is an amazing program,” shares Rachel. “I fell in love with the students; they’re some of the sweetest kids … so hard working.” Community involvement is yet another of William’s passions, and she has had a very full summer performing in her home town. She recently performed at the Fall Farm-to-Table Dinner, hosted by the Rochester Downtown Development Authority and sponsored by The Meeting House. More gigs in Rochester have included Deck Art, Fine Art Fair at the Village and Music in the Park, both at The Village of Rochester Hills; Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market, “Late Night Thursdays” and Sidewalk Sales, in Downtown Rochester; the Michigan Earth Day Festival and at Relay for Life of Greater Rochester; and at Arts, Beats & Eats in the past. Plan to see her during Lagniappe and The Big, Bright Light Show, along with the Kris Kringle Market and Rochester Hometown Parade, more of Rochester’s signature events she has enjoyed participating in over the years. The young entrepreneur owns RLW Music, LLC, where she shares her talent with fresh young talent looking to hone their skills. Despite all her experience, Williams says she considers herself a typical teen who likes to read and hang out with friends. “I’m not sure what I want to do with singing — but whether it’s just singing at coffee shops or teaching students, it will always be part of my life,” she shares. “I’m not sure where it is going to take me, which is exciting.” Story: Lisa Rose Hook
Photo: Jean Lannen
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.
Rochester/Rochester Hills 112 Pizzeria Bistro: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2528 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6164. 2941 Street Food: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 87 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4583. Alex’s of Rochester: Italian, Greek, & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.2288. Antoniou’s Pizza: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 918 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.650.2200. Avery’s Tavern: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2086 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.270.4030. B Spot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001. Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841. Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.218.5114. Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1411. Bigalora Wood Fire Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 8 or more. Liquor. 6810 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.218.6230. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.601.7777. Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.3300. Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999. Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.0665. Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406. Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450. Chicken Shack: BBQ. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 213 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1100. Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.5281. Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills,
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48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047. Chomp Deli & Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 888.342.2497. CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3260 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.293.2800. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. Clubhouse BFD (Beer-Food-Drink): American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6093. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1418 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.266.6226. Downtown Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 606 N. Main, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.6680. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.606.4519. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483. Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Italian. 117 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.2882. Gold Star Family Restaurant: American & Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 650 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.652.2478. Golden Eagle: American. Lunch, Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1447 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6606. Grand Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 12 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.1350. Half Day Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3134 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.1330. Hamlin Pub: American. Breakfast, Sundays. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1988 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.7700. Hibachi House Bar & Grill: Japanese Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 335 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6055. Honey Tree Grille: Mediterranean. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2949 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.237.0200. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 W. University Drive, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3527. Johnny Black Public House: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4479. Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.844.8900. King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333.
THANKSGIVING MENU DINNERS INCLUDES: SOUP OR SALAD OR CUCUMBER SOUR CREAM AND DESSERT. SOUP: CHICKEN NOODLE, CHICKEN DUMPLING, DILL PICKLE, CABBAGE, BEET TURKEY DINNER OR HAM DINNER W/ MASHED OR SWEET POTATOES & VEGETABLES & STUFFING OR LAMB SHANK DINNER W/ MASHED POTATOES & VEGETABLE & TOMATO SAUCE OVER LAMB SHANK DESSERT: PUMPKIN PIE
10% OFF
DOWNTOWN
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$
99
THANKSGIVING DAY OPEN 8AM-4PM MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
ANY MEAL – DINE-IN ONLY Coupon must be present at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Not valid on holidays or with any other specials or offers. Expires 11.30.17
224 E AUBURN RD, ROCHESTER, MI 48307
248.293.2660 TUESDAY–SUNDAY: 8AM - 8PM • CLOSED MONDAYS
The Rochester area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown. Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information. O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com
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Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.0089. Kruse & Muer In the Village: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651. Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.656.9002. Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9862. Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707. Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8441. Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066. Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234. Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills. 248.375.5999. Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900. Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6534. Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.5000. North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.3366. O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. 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.
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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. P.F. Chang's China Bistro: Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 122 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.923.7030. Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890. Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668. Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900. 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.
Sakura Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.608.3867. Shish Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 165 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5464. Shogun: Japanese. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 173 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5386. Silver Spoon Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.652.4500. Soho: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2943 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.289.1179. Sumo Sushi & Seafood: Japanese & Korean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 24 hours in advance. Liquor. 418 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.0104. Tapper’s Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 877 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.1983. Tim Hortons: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 940 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.8292. The Jagged Fork: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 188 N. Adams, Rochester Hills, 48306. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. Tropical Smoothie Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2913 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.852.4800. Val's Polish Kitchen: Polish. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. 224 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.2660. Wayback Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1256 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5746. Also 2595 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.2717. Willoughby’s Beyond Juice: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 120 E. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1670.
Troy Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900. McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332.
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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.
Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.792.3579. Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800. Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000
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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. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.
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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, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900. Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127. Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300. The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.
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West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982. The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.
West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. The Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390. 248.698.2400. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.
Ted Lindsay Foundation Golf Outing
Sally Gerak
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5 1. Dick Scott (center) of Northville, Lynn Lindsay LaPaugh of Rochester Hills and Ted Lindsay of Rochester. 2. Steve Eick (left), Jonathan Lau, Kyle Eick, David Curtis and Mike Vick of Birmingham. 3. Lew LaPaugh (left) and auctioneer / WJR’s Frank Beckmann of Rochester Hills. 4. Genevieve Finley (left) and Bridgit Finley Herman of Bloomfield, Lisa Rodes of Canton. 5. John Oelson (left), Al Hemp and Ed Phillips of Rochester. 6. Rick Kelley (left) of Birmingham, Dave Tindall of Metamora, Rick Rachner and Jim Lentini of Bloomfield.
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Ted Lindsay Foundation Golf Outing The 175 golfers who participated in the Ted Lindsay Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing at the Detroit Golf Club were joined by another 115 for cocktails, a silent auction ($14,000) and dinner following play. The program that followed Fr. Donald Worthy’s tribute to the memory of Joanne Lindsay and Dr. Jack Finley was emceed with good humor by Mickey Redmond and Ken Daniels. It had highlights. Austin, TX researcher Laura Hewitson, PhD. reported promise of early blood biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Courage awards were presented to Judson Joseph Scott II, age 24, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3; Tracey Cohen, who was diagnosed at age 39 after graduating from Michigan and serving in the Peace Corps; and Joe and Laura Vivano’s family. WJR’s Frank Beckmann garnered $17,500 in a brief live auction. Golf winners were announced. The ticket of Edna Gadsby, widow of Hockey Hall of Famer Bill Gadsby, was drawn as the winner of the Chrysler 300 that car dealer Dick Scott donated in memory of Joanne Lindsay. While vamping for 50/50 raffle selling time Redmond explained why Canadian hockey players who retire from the Red Wings stay in Detroit. “People open their hearts here,” he said. And when 92-yearold Ted Lindsay took the mike to thank everybody for supporting autism research and education he noted, “When bad things happen, dig in and fight like hell.” Not counting the generous Kroger donation of $137,000, the 17th annual event raised $140,000 plus $71,000 gross for the car raffle.
Hall & Hunter Habitat for Humanity Estate Sale Hall & Hunter Habitat for Humanity Estate Sale Hall & Hunter Realtors’ 14th annual estate sale benefiting Habitat for Humanity Oakland attracted hundreds of shoppers to the tented parking lot in Birmingham. One eye-popping item they saw was a baby grand piano (it sold for an undisclosed amount) but the sofas were the hot sellers. They had also provided comfortable seating the night before during the Estate Sale Preview Party, at which purchases cost a 30 percent premium. Pam Gray and Gillian Lazar have chaired this charity project almost since its inception. Bet the local resident who realized a laughable $4-profit from a professionally managed estate sale wishes she had donated her treasurers to this one and taken the charity donation on her tax form. Thanks also to generous sponsors, it raised $22,000 for Habitat.
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1. Dennis Wolf (left) of Birmingham, Pam Gray of Lake Orion and Gillian Lazar of Birmingham. 2. Nanci Rands (left) of Bloomfield, sponsor Changing Places Movings’ Johnna Struck of Waterford. 3. Donna (left) & David Zimmer and Amy Zimmer of Bloomfield. 4. Barbara Miller (left) of Plymouth, Kelly Moody of Birmingham. 5. Elizabeth Wyss of Rochester Hills, Mary Glynn of Berkley. 6. Lynda Schrenk and Jeff Christian of Birmingham. 7. Link (left) & Jodie Wachler of Troy, Ginny Fox of Bloomfield.
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The Community House Birmingham House Tour The 30th annual Birmingham House Tour attracted more than 813 ($40, $45 ticket) to explore the seven unique homes graciously opened by their generous owners for the Community House fundraiser. More than 200 volunteers served as docents at the homes. They ranged from a traditional Tudor to a 1950s colonial re-imagined into a live/work mid-century marvel to a showcase for local artists. Another was so maintenance free it even had a rear yard of synthetic grass. For the 13th year Hall & Hunter Realtors was the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors included Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design, Ethan Allen, Bank of Ann Arbor – Birmingham Branch and mBank, which hosted the inaugural Benefactor Reception a week previous to the tour at their Brown Street offices. It featured cocktails, a strolling dinner catered by The Community House and expressions of gratitude by TCH CEO Bill Sekler. Especially to H&H’s Dennis and Brad Wolf and honorary chairs Rose and Brian Bolyard. Their involvement resulted in proceeds expected to top $63,000. 11.17
New Day Foundation for Families The New Day Foundation for Families hosted 340 supporters at Eastern Market for a joyful celebration of 10 years in service to families fighting cancer. The Rochester-based non-profit raised a record $180,000 through live and silent auctions, trip raffles, dedicated giving and sponsors. After guests enjoyed a surf and turf dinner, Ben Sharkey closed out the evening with dance music. However, the highlights of the evening were speakers – keynoter Family Reach CEO Carla Tardif and New Day cofounder Gina Kell Spehn. Both organizations alleviate the financial burden of cancer. “(Supporting families financially) is part of the treatment, it’s part of the cure,” Tardiff noted. Spehn spoke about parents who are drowning in debt fighting cancer. Their plight was highlighted in a new video. In it one mother declares, “...it’s more than the money; it’s knowing that people care. You are not going down today.” Yatooma Foundation Rockstars Gala People seemed to really like the rock star theme of the Yatooma Foundation for the Kids party that brought 282 ($250 ticket) to the Royal Park Hotel. Some, including foundation founder Norman Yatooma, gussied up like iconic stars. Others just dressed like flower children going to Woodstock. Rochester artist Doug West provided super décor – canvas prints of two of his rock star paintings for the silent auction and eight more exhibited for atmosphere. But the highlights of the party were speeches. Jane Logan spoke of the agony of watching her mother die with cancer, leaving six motherless children. (It inspired pledging of $32,000-plus) Frederick Holman, 17, a Yatooma kid since his mother died nine years ago, said Yatooma has become his family. He added that his foundation-financed trips to the Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit in San Diego taught him ‘...to be better, not bitter.” Clare and Dan Murphy were honored for sending 17 Yatooma kids to those summits to learn how to build great lives despite their losses. Speaking for the couple, Dan shared a Robbins’ quote: “Change your story and you change your life.” Proceeds from the Rockstars Gala will support the foundation programs that turn the tragedy of a parent’s death into a triumphant future. Beaumont Wine for the Spirit The opportunity to attend one of the first private events at the new Little Caesar’s Arena appealed to 750 Beaumont supporters ($200 & up tickets). It was the venue selected for Beaumont Oakwood’s 22nd annual Wine downtownpublications.com
The Community House Birmingham House Tour
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1. Jennifer & Todd Kroll of Birmingham. 2. Jennifer & Shaun Killeen of Birmingham. 3. Brian & Rose Bolyard of Birmingham. 4. Laura Garvin (center) of Commerce, Bill Seklar (left) and Kathie Ninneman of Bloomfield. 5. Patty Blair of Birmingham, Lori Rondello of Beverly Hills. 6. Brad Wolf (left), Laura Restum and Kathy Wolf of Birmingham. 7. Michael Dul (left) of Bloomfield, Gene Meadows of Royal Oak.
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New Day Foundation for Families
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1. Carla Tardif (left); JoAnne Purtan. 2. Suzanne Antonelli (left), Paul Jacobs, James Stout. 3. Caron Koteles Riha (left), Gina Hoensheid, Jane Mazza. 4. Paula Carson (left), Mickey McGee, Julie LaFrance, Lisa Genslak. 5. Mike Schomaker (left), Sam Kell. Photos: Life on Purpose Photography.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK for the Spirit event, which this year was presented by Delta to benefit Beaumont Children’s. It was chaired, for the 11th consecutive year, by Dan Moran and featured an impressive host committee including Cathy and Nate Forbes, whose Forbes Company hosted the popular event Biergarten and hockey legend Ted Lindsay. The latter was in much demand by fans, young and notso-young, desiring pictures with the 92year-old marvel in front of the Ted Lindsay exhibit in the arena concourse. His charitable foundation gave $1 million to Beaumont Children’s Center for the Ted Lindsay (Autism) Foundation HOPE Center. It provides Hands-On Parent Education (HOPE) to families of children with and other developmental disorders. Benefactors (300) arrived early for a reception at which Beaumont bigwigs put sponsors and committee people in the spotlight with words of gratitude and a toast to “..the health and happiness of families in our care.” Then guided tours of the impressive facility, wine and food pairings, a silent auction ($45,000) and conversation, possible when the Rick Lieder Band took intermissions, competed for attention. The Sunday afternoon event netted more than $150,000 for Beaumont’s children’s programs.
Yatooma Foundation Rockstars Gala
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1. Clare & Dan Murphy of Sarasota, FL. 2. Olivia Yatooma of Bloomfield. 3. Jane Logan (left) & Bob VanHellemont of Birmingham, Pamela & David Banda of Bloomfield. 4. Norman & Nicole Yatooma of Bloomfield. 5. Doug West of Rochester Hills. 6. Jake White (left) of Rochester Hills, Nate Thompson of Metamora, Brian Slaght of Holly. 7. Faye & Sam Kassab of Rochester Hills. 8. Gordon (left) & Ann Nickel (left) of Lake Orion, Bill & Linda Shuman of Rochester Hills. 9. Dario (left) & Ami Bergamo of Rochester Hills, Nadya & Bobby Nahra of Grosse Pointe.
Beaumont Wine for the Spirit
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1. John Fox (left) of Bloomfield, Dr. Neelam Kumar of Ann Arbor, Laura & Ron Moran of Grosse Isle. 2. Geoffrey Hockman of Birmingham, Margaret Cooney Casey of Beverly Hills. 3. Sam Yamin (left) of Bloomfield, Al Morgan of Canton and Kim Noonan of Troy. 4. Bharat Gandhi and Maureen D’Avanzo of Bloomfield. 5. Ted Lindsay (left) of Rochester, Lew & Lynn Lindsay LaPaugh of Rochester Hills. 6. Dale & Randi Watchowski of Birmingham. 7. Huel (left) & Priscilla Perkins of Troy, Louisa Artelt of Rochester Hills, Kim Tyle of W. Bloomfield and Ashleigh Dunham of Pleasant Ridge. 8. John & Debbie Schrot of Birmingham.
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Preservation Bloomfield Corn Roast Mother Nature provided a perfect day for Preservation Bloomfield’s annual Corn Roast and about 150 people ($25adult ticket) of all ages attended the event at Bowers Farm, which is looking like a farm should look at harvest time. As Tartanius Flynn made music, children played games and got their faces painted while their parents socialized, checked out the antiques for sale in the Barton Farmhouse and bid for silent auction donations, mostly dining dates with elected officials. Hot dogs accompanied the succulent sweet corn. Thanks to generous sponsors, the event raised about $6,000 for preservation of the Barton Farmhouse and Craig Log Cabin. Hickory Stick Invitational Marty Gillespie and Chuck Plein chaired the 20th annual Evans Scholars fundraiser that attracted 82 golfers to Edgewood Country Club. Bagpipers piped tee off times for the golfers, each wearing plus fours (knickers) and Scottish tams and toting their antique wooden shafted clubs. The program also featured testimony by MSU Evans Scholar Martha Ramsey about her experience, especially the importance of community living. She is one of 965 caddies currently attending one of 19 American universities on a full ride 11.17
scholarship. Thanks also to an auction at the dinner, the invitational raised $50,000 for the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholar Foundation. This brings the local event to the $450,000 funds-raised level. Children’s Leukemia Foundation Cheryl Flynn, Cindy Grove and Stacey Rogers chaired Afternoon of Hope Celebrating Friendship which attracted 143 ($70, $100 tickets) to the Village Club. Before lunch they chatted and selected chance raffle prizes. In the program emceed by WWJ’s Dr. Deanna Lites, CLF of Michigan president Heidi Grix explained the foundation’s name. To wit: five years after its founding 65 years ago by families of young leukemia patients, those founders decided to extend CLF’s personalized services to adults. So, without a name change, the foundation has been serving all Michigan residents with leukemia. lymphoma and other blood related disorders for 60 years. One of them, Mackenzie Sanford, told about her battle with a rare form of leukemia. She got a standing ovation when she concluded “...life as a survivor is beautiful.” Karmanos researchers Dr. Abhinav Deol and Dr. Joe Ulbertie also spoke about revolutionary transplantation of bone marrow and stem cells that gets rid of cancerous cells. This gives patients hope even though it currently costs $400,000 per infusion. Board chair Jim Berline presented the Medical Innovator Award to the Karmanos transplant team. One guest at each table won a restaurant gift card and members of the CLF Young Professional Advisory Board hustled chances for the card raffles. Thanks also to sponsors, the third annual event raised a record $45,000 for direct services to patients. The Children’s Center Tour de Fork The fourth annual Tour de Fork brought 340 supporters of The Children’s Center to Eastern Market to savor spirits and comestibles generously provided by local purveyors. Sixty with VIP tickets ($200) arrived early for the Chef Experience with Grey Ghost’s John Vermiglio and crew who created a succulent pork concoction. When benefactors (39 @ $150) and individuals (241 @ $95) arrived, more than two dozen stations opened offering everything from brisket sliders (Brome), jambalaya (Union Street) and Cajun pasta (Granite City) to salted maple pie (Sister Pie) and Bullit Bourbon Cider Smash. Guests voted The Forkie Award to Esto Garage’s Cajun trio. A chance raffle ($3,300), fowling, a bag toss game and an art station offered diversions. DJ downtownpublications.com
Children’s Leukemia Foundation
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1. Cindy Grove (left) and Cheryl Flynn of Bloomfield and Stacey Rogers of Birmingham. 2. Dr. Kate Gowans (left) of Rochester, Jim Berline of Orchard Lake, Kate Bullach of Waterford. 3. Katy Thomas (left) of Rochester Hills, Stephanie Kercorian of Bloomfield. 4. Janet DeBrow (standing left) of Birmingham and Bondy of Farmington Hills, Mimi Keaton (seated left) of Bloomfield, Marianne DeGaalon of Bieville, France, Julie Grove Dean of Beverly Hills. 5. Heidi Grix (left) of Dexter, Dr. Deanna Lites of Bloomfield. 6. Joslin Crowe (left) of Bingham Farms, Nora Hamill of Bloomfield. 7. Jennifer Griglak (left) and Tina Turner of Troy, Kristin Turner Degenhardt of Bloomfield. 8. Lisa Gorcyca (left) of Troy and Renee Gucciardo of Beverly Hills. 9. Matt Broder (left) and Ted Degenhardt of Birmingham. 10. Elizabeth Katz (left) of Royal Oak and Debbie Knowles of Birmingham.
The Children’s Center Tour de Fork
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1. Bev Ross (left) of Rochester, Dr. Cecilia Astorga-Switzer of Bloomfield and Debora Matthews. 2. Niall Hay (left) of Birmingham, Anthony Cracchiolo of Troy. 3. Judy Malburg of Birmingham, Phil Sternberg of Farmington Hills. 4. Dave Kinczkonski of Livonia, Jennifer Kincer of Rochester Hills. 5. Bev Ross of Rochester.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Prevu’s music filled Shed 3. Thanks also to sponsors, the harvest time affair raised $100,000 for the center’s programs that annually serve more than 7,000 vulnerable children and families.
DETermined to Assist Pistons & Plates
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1. Reggie (left) and Travis Jackson of Oakland Township. 2. Austin Hearn (left) of Florence, KY, Mark Winter of White Lake, Dan Quick of Bloomfield. 3. Stan & Kim Van Gundy of Clarkston. 4. Alex (left), Dr. Shante & Otis Smith of Rochester. 5. Dr. Anthony Weinert (left) of Rochester, Krystyn & Brian Donaldson of Novi.
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Christ Child Society Night of Angels
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1. Annette Royce (left) and Julie Pietrosante of Bloomfield. 2. Laura Keziah (right) with Val Ellis (left) of Bloomfield and Lauren Fanslau of Royal Oak. 3. Terry & Kelly Winkler Patterson of Birmingham, Nichcola & Ian Hendry of Bloomfield. 4. Claudia Duerr (left) and Molly Robinson of Bloomfield. 5. Patty Bakkan (left) and Jim Clelland of Bloomfield, Todd & Shannon Anderson of Birmingham. 6. Steve (left) & Julia Cosgrove of Birmingham, Rick Williams and Amy & Jeff Messano of Bloomfield. 7. Denise Choukourean (left) and Mari Mackenzie of Birmingham. 8. Elaina (left) & Paul Ryder and Christine & Bill Harress of Birmingham. 9. Linda Crosby (left), Julie Hamaty and Ann Jordan of Birmingham. 10. Bill (left) & Ann Royce and Julie & Judd Pietrosante of Bloomfield.
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DETermined to Assist Pistons & Plates Detroit Piston Reggie Jackson said that due to the military, his family moved around a lot when he was little so he made friends with books. “Reading is so important,” he told the 131 people gathered for his second Pistons & Plates fundraiser presented by Lear Corporation at the Weston Book Cadillac. His belief in the importance of reading prompted him last year to launch a foundation to impact the lives of low-income children in Detroit. Its primary focus is installing literacy lounges stocked with books in Detroit public schools. The second lounge opened last spring in the Thurgood Marshall school. Before dinner guests socialized at a cocktail reception (hosted by Chassix and Strategic Staffing Solutions), bid $14,290 in a silent auction and savored fine wines and selections from a bountiful appetizer buffet. After dinner, emcee WJLB’s Kirby Gwen and auctioneer Brian Baumhor motivated them to bid $25,500 in the live auction and to pledge $20,500 in outright donations. Thanks also to other sponsors and Reggie’s promised personal check for $50,000, the second Piston & Plates raised $185,000 for the Reggie Jackson Foundation. Christ Child Society Night of Angels When Annette Royce, Julie Pietrosante and their committee decided to hold the CCS annual fall fundraiser at the Detroit Athletic Club, they were unaware that they were taking it back to the place where the very first one was held 25 years ago. This year, the 250 guests ($175 & $200 tickets) first convened in the gymnasium for cocktails, auctions and the program. The latter was notable for Val Ellis and her daughter Lauren Fanslau’s acceptance of the Mary Virginia Merrick Award on behalf of their family Galencher Nagy Foundation. Their benevolence enabled the development and maintenance of the art therapy and enrichment classes at Christ Child House. Lauren, who attends the classes every week, spoke compellingly of their value to both the at-risk boys who call the house their home and herself. A video of life at the house preceded the live auction. Guests then proceeded to the second floor ballroom for a superb strolling dinner and dancing to high energy music by the Rick Lieder band. The 25th Night of Angels netted $127,000 for the society’s child welfare 11.17
programs. Kim McNulty and Kelly Winkler Patterson are chairing the next CCS event – the annual Christmas Home Tour with brunch and boutique shopping at Birmingham Country Club Friday, Dec.1. The Parade Company The Reserve in Birmingham was swathed in colorful beads and balloons for the splendid Distinguished Clowns Grand Jester Reception the LePage family hosted for The Parade Company. Rennie and Esther Kaufman made beautiful music as a video of past Thanksgiving parades streamed on a large screen. Many in the crowd of 200 were looking at the photo books of past parades with the DCs in their clown makeup. Most of the clowns, like Bonnie Jobe, are hardly recognizable in their make-up. During the brief program, Parade Company CEO Tony Michaels paid tribute to the generosity of 2017 Grand Jester Van Conway, who was roundly applauded in absentia. DC sponsor UHL’s Tony Frabotta and Tom Callan and past Grand Jesters Austin Kanter and Maggie Allesee spoke briefly about the joy of clowning around. DC’s donate $1,000 each for the privilege. Variety Lights, Camera, Auction! Leslie Miller and Robert Golding chaired the annual Variety Bikes for Kids fundraiser which attracted about 250 ($60, $100 tickets) to the newly renovated Emagine Novi Theater. They savored the fare offered by 22 restaurants and bid for silent auction items before convening for the advance screening of “Marshall,” the much anticipated account of an early Thurgood Marshall case. The evening raised $28,000 for bikes for disadvantaged youngsters. The following week at the Variety annual meeting at The Townsend, Lois Shaevsky was installed as the new board president. Cattle Baron’s Ball More than 700 people ($200, $500 tickets) gathered at Cobo Center for the Detroit Cattle Baron’s Ball. The event, presented by Ford Motor Company and led by Ford’s Joy Falotico, featured live music, western fun like mechanical bull riding and line dancing, silent and live auctions and grub by Detroit area restaurants. Program highlights included Kate Mahanic accepting the Society’s prestigious Cowger Leadership Award for her successful launch and leadership of the Associate Board of Ambassadors, a young professional group that supports the Cattle Baron’s Ball, and the celebration of 15 cancer survivors, caregivers and researchers. Food judges Dan Alpert, Robb Harper, Mark Kurlyandchik and Jodi Noding decided the culinary awards. The toetappin’ evening generated more than $800,000, bringing the total raised in the event’s 15-year history to nearly $16 million. 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
The Parade Company
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5 1. Tony Michaels (center) of Rochester, Tony Frabotta (left) and Tom Callan of Bloomfield. 2. Bonnie Jobe of Bloomfield. 3. Kiko Davis of W. Bloomfield, Syd Ross of Bloomfield. 4. Dana (left), Becky and Rick Sorensen of Bloomfield. 5. Kim & Dan McGlynn of Birmingham. 6. Dave Griffin (center) of Shelby Twp., Rachel Keena (left) and Jill Sorensen of Rochester. 7. Bob Allesee (left) of Bloomfield, event host Norm LePage of Birmingham. 8. Larry Pocza of White Lake and Sandee Rellinger of Rochester.
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Variety Lights, Camera, Auction!
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1. Leslie Miller & Robert Golding of Farmington Hills. 2. Adam & Nicole Gopoian Wirick of Bloomfield with Michele & Nathan Mersereau of Birmingham. 3. Matthew (left) & Kelly Rosa Shuert of Bloomfield, Lyle Shuert of Birmingham, Sergio Rosa of Bloomfield, Julianne & Dante Rosa of Macomb. Photos by Doug Ashley.
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ENDNOTE
Michigan must regulate use of dicamba eports of massive crop damage in several southern states caused by vaporized plumes of the herbicide dicamba that have spawned at least a half-dozen lawsuits and spurred statelevel restrictions on the chemical's use have been of relatively little concern to regulators in Michigan. And that’s a shame. Already used for decades on lawns, golf courses, corn crops, and other agriculture, uses of dicamba are anticipated to skyrocket in the near future as farmers are expected to scoop up new geneticallymodified soybeans capable of metabolizing the herbicide. The new seeds allow growers to spray dicamba directly on and around soybean crops to kill weeds without damaging their geneticallymodified plantings. In Michigan, the new seeds could equate to dicamba being used on some two million additional acres of farmland every year. While that may be good news for soybean farmers who need to fight weeds that have grown resistant to other herbicides, it's a concern to those who aren't. It should also be a concern to all Michigan residents who care whether Michigan's lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater – which serve as sources for our drinking water – are likely to become contaminated by the herbicide. Dicamba poses a particular challenge because of the herbicide's tendency to volatilize, or evaporate, when it’s applied in warm temperatures, typically those above 85-degrees. For corn growers, who apply dicamba during cooler months, volatilization hasn't been a concern. But fluctuations in Michigan weather mean dicamba applications could vaporize with little notice. Once airborne, drift clouds are known to travel up to 10 miles, wreaking havoc on sensitive crops along the way.
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Likewise, vapor drift means that dicamba that would have been broken down by plants and soils travel to unintended locations and enter local watersheds. Once in the water, dicamba can spread further. To put it another way, it stands to reason that increasing the amount of herbicide applied increases the likelihood that it will appear in surface and groundwater. Or, as one university expert stated, "Increasing dicamba use by three to seven fold at a time when we are working to reduce exposure flies in the face of national policy." Despite the risks associated with increased use of the herbicide, new use of dicamba on geneticallymodified soybeans can be done without additional permits or regulatory oversight under the registration approval granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pesticide manufacturers. Federal law allows states to add additional regulatory restrictions, penalties or prohibitions beyond those imposed by the EPA and the United States Department of Agriculture. Thus far, Michigan officials, who say the herbicide is a big deal in other areas but not in this state – yet – have adopted a wait-and-see attitude toward dicamba's use. Meanwhile, major crop injuries in other areas have led three states – Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee – to take measures to temporarily ban the herbicide, impose additional restrictions and levy stiffer fines for its misuse. Based on the likelihood that the use of dicamba will increase exponentially in Michigan, we urge state regulators to take a proactive approach to dicamba's new uses. Those actions should include, at minimum, stiffer fines for misuse or
misapplication of dicamba. And, at best, additional restrictions on the use of dicamba applications that go beyond standard label instructions to protect sensitive crops and surface water points. State agriculture officials report only two official complaints of crop damage from dicamba use since the new formulas were approved. We suspect there have been far more instances of crop damage, as many farmers are hesitant to raise tensions and possible conflicts by reporting their neighbors for unintentional events. We also suspect Michigan's unseasonably cool temperatures this summer led to fewer cases of vapor drift than what we might witness in warmer years, which undoubtedly will occur. Considering that warmer and wetter summers will spur additional weed growth, and in turn additional dicamba applications, it seems inevitable that dicamba drift will become a larger issue in Michigan, both with farmers and in the environment. The fact that herbicide manufacturers have insisted their research shows new formulations of dicamba that won’t drift like those used illegally before the new product came to market is of little comfort. Subsequent testing has reportedly shown the new formulations do indeed drift. Whether those drifts are a result of incorrect application procedures remains to be seen, but should serve as yet another reason for Michigan to provide additional oversight on the herbicide's use. State agriculture officials must consider both the wellbeing of Michigan's agricultural industry as well as the risks to the state's valuable water resources, and take proactive steps to protect them before the damage has been done.
Our recommendations on city elections n Tuesday, November 7, residents in Rochester and Rochester Hills are being asked to decide who will represent them on their respective city councils. We sent out questionnaires to all candidates running in these elections, and questionnaires had to be returned in order to be considered for endorsement. Candidates’ responses to our question are posted at downtownpublications.com. Overall, for both cities, we were extremely impressed with the strong field of candidates running for both city councils. Here’s our opinion of who would be voters’ best bet.
hear a reason that incumbent council members STUART BIKSON and ANN PETERSON shouldn’t be returned to office, and we concur. They are both qualified incumbents, each with strong institutional knowledge of the city and the future challenges it will face. While we do not always agree with some of Bikson’s votes, we are impressed with his thoughtfulness and that he is not a rubber stamp councilman. We would advise him that not all tax increases are harmful, as they are part of a citizen’s responsibility in helping their municipality provide for its residents.
Rochester City Council Four seats; three highest vote totals, four-year term; fourth highest vote total, two-year term In Rochester, voters must choose among six knowledgeable candidates for four open seats, with the three candidates garnering the most votes winning four-year terms, and the one with the fourth highest vote total receiving a two-year term. In none of the candidate responses did we
While DEAN BEVACQUA has limited community experience, he is a critical thinker whose thoughtful responses addressing the city’s infrastructure and potential housing needs struck us as someone ready to join the council table. NANCY SALVIA, who has been an active community volunteer, recognizes the importance of continuing to improve the city’s infrastructure while balancing business opportunities.
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Rochester Hills City Council Member At Large – Four-year term Both incumbent KEVIN BROWN and challenger Jenny McCardle would be an excellent choice for this seat, and while McCardle provided strong answers to our questions, we did not see a reason to not return Brown to city council. He has been a knowledgeable part of a strong Rochester Hills council, which works well together. His institutional knowledge is an added bonus. Rochester Hills City Council Fourth District – Four-year term We would have liked to have considered both candidates, but received a questionnaire only from RYAN DEEL. Rochester Hills fourth district residents will do well to choose Deel, who as a library board member, has a history of involvement. He has studied the issues facing the city, understanding the importance of the Auburn Road corridor as well as capital improvement needs.
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