GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • J. MARCH: LA DULCE IN ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWNPUBLICATIONS.COM
JANUARY 2016
DOWNTOWN R O C H E S T E R
•
R O C H E S T E R
H I L L S
THE INTERVIEW:
RUTH JOHNSON FROM OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD TO MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE COURT BONDS: MAKING SURE THE DEFENDANTS SHOW UP LANDFILL UPDATE: TAKING OUT THE TRASH IN OAKLAND ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792
Announcing The Grand Opening Of
REVOLUTION JANUARY 4TH AT
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OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. OUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS.
LOCAL MATTERS. For the Linda Rea Team, that says it all. We are more than just houses. We are family built on values to live by. Our philosophy has helped make us the consistent top producer in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township, with over $1 billion in career sales.
EXCEEDING OUR CLIENTS' EXPECTATIONS! Residential. Luxury Homes Sales. Condos. New Construction. Leasing. Relocation Specialists. Free Home Staging. Free Home Warranty ($350 Value) on New Listings. #1 Agent and #1 Listing and Sales Team for Rochester and Real Estate One
$ in Millions
Our Real Estate One Office at 1002 N. Main Street in Rochester provides you with a firm that has the largest share of the market.
All Star
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
MKT 9.6%
Market Share Totals Total $ Volume (by office) List $ Sell $
MKT 4.4% MKT 4.0%
MKT 3.8%
MKT 3.7% MKT 2.9%
Real Estate One Rochester
Real Estate One Troy
Real Living Kee Realty
Max Broock® Birmingham
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel-Roch
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb
MKT 2.9%
Hall & Hunter Birmingham
MKT 2.9%
Remax Defined
MKT 2.8%
MKT 2.7%
Century 21 Sakmar & Assoc
Colburn Mcdonald Asoc, Realtor
*MLS Data Source: Realcomp 1/1/2015 – 12/14/2015
THE LINDA REA TEAM…RESPECTED • RECOMMENDED • REFERRED LINDA: 248.709.3786 PETE: 248.770.8660 PAULA: 248.770.8661 SHANA: 248.941.4525 DAVID: 586.552.7995
www.LindaReaTeam.com • Facebook.com/TheLindaReaTeam
DOWNTOWN01.16
16
Ruth Johnson: Secretary of State from Oakland County From county board, to state legislature, then county clerk and now secretary of state, Johnson talks about her role on a number of state issues and what the political future holds.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
10
Law enforcement, and the public, will be negatively impacted by President Barak Obama's executive order forcing the return of some of the unused military equipment given to police agencies starting in the George W. Bush years.
CRIME LOCATOR
13
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Rochester and Rochester Hills, presented in map format.
MUNICIPAL
38
Medical marijuana grow operation proposed; Rochester reissues winter tax bills due to error; Townhomes on Maplehill has opposition; Par Pharmaceuticals $55 million project; Jim Kubicina appointed to vacancy, plus more.
FRONT/BACK
49
The latest on what’s happening in the front and the back of the house in metro Detroit area restaurants with a series of short takes on the latest news and gossip for the industry.
AT THE TABLE
51
The simple menu and Spanish roots, the beverage program and the individuality – were pleasing, but Royal Oak's La Dulce needs some fine tuning.
THE COVER Meadow Broock Hall, the historic home built by Matilda Dodge Wilson and second husband Alfred Wilson between 1926 and 1929. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.
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24 Update on landfills There has long been concern that Oakland County could run out of places to bury its trash, so we took a look at the landfill situation today.
31 The role of the bondsman Not everyone thinks the current commercial bond system is the answer for the criminal justice system and that role could be changing.
14
Brian Keselowski
BUSINESS MATTERS
55
Refresh Bath & Body; 2941 Street Food; J. Thomas Jewelers; Meadow Brook Theater; Rush Antiques and Rush Appraisals; Crittendon Hospital.
SOCIAL LIGHTS
56
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and nonprofit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
62
Rochester must take care in carefully crafting marijuana grow ordinance; fairness was always considered in determining Rochester’s new water rates.
FACES
14 22 29 37 42 52
Brian Keselowski Meredith Lea Bailey Ron Teachworth John “JD” Deierlein Michael Dwyer Nancy and Stephanie Tomovska
METROPOLITAN
248-601-3399 Direct: 248-601-1000
Office:
Tour Our Homes at: CoreyandCrew.com Email: Debbie@CoreyandCrew.com
COREY & CREW Full Service Real Estate
Oakland Twp. $729,900 Custom Moceri-built in Kings Pointe. Beautiful trim and detailing throughout. Library with judges paneling and two temperature controlled wine fridges. Fam. rm. with floor-to-ceiling windows and two-way fireplace to spacious kitchen. Master suite with two-way fireplace to bonus rm. with wet bar. Fin. daylight basement. Custom window treatments, private treed yard and so much more! Awesome curb appeal!
Oakland Twp. $429,900
Rochester Hills $379,900
Armada Twp. $364,900
Grand curb appeal and welcoming presence with circular driveway and 3 car garage. Located on a ž acre private setting in Oakland Farms development. Updated kitchen with cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and hardwood flooring. Library with crown molding and built-ins. Spacious bdrms., newer flooring and 5 bay windows. Fin. bsmt. with bath and extensive recreational space. New maintenance-free Trex decking and court location.
Former model home with exceptional quality features. Two fireplaces (great rm. and master bdrm.). Wet bar between great rm. and library. Great rm. trimmed in wainscoting. Spacious and updated kitchen with granite countertops, island and double ovens. Finished basement, neutral dĂŠcor and pristine condition. Great location for accessibility to freeways, schools and shopping.
Welcoming stone front porch leading to 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths. Gleeming hardwood flooring, open floor plan and neutral dÊcor. One acre private setting with 4 car attached garage PLUS 24 x 40 barn for all of your recreational toys. Barn includes a loft for storage and same curb appeal as the home. Bonus room, grand foyer and staircase, move-in ready.
Downtown Rochester $299,900
Rochester Hills $299,900
Rochester Hills $399,900
Perfect opportunity to live in downtown Rochester near parks, schools and shopping. This home has so much usable space to make an awesome home in a very desirable neighborhood. Prior renovation created hard-to-find spacious and open kitchen, dining, great room with gas fireplace and two entries to yard. Well known downtown builder has excellent plans for expansion renovation opportunities.
4 bdrm., 2.5 bath colonial on half-acre private setting in prime Rochester Hills location near schools, freeways and all conveniences. Fin. walkout basement. Spacious deck. First floor laundry and library. Hardwood flooring throughout entire home. Neutral dÊcor, quality construction and pride of ownership.
Located in desirable Grosse Pines on court location with private wooded setting. Spacious and updated kitchen leads to three season sun porch. Pub with wet bar overlooks family room. Updated baths. Finished basement. Beautiful curb appeal with stamped concrete walkways and pillared front porch. One of the largest lots in the development.
2015 REALTOR OF THE YEAR FOR ROCHESTER CHAPTER OF WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS We are dedicated to our profession through knowledge and credentials, and respected by our peers.
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DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER • ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Allison Batdorff | Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody Katie Deska | Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf J. March | Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar 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 any months ago I had the opportunity to catch breakfast with Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, which proved enlightening in terms of what modern day law enforcement officials were facing when it comes to providing the public with protection that we have all come to expect.
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The occasion followed a column of mine at the time which raised questions about the use by Bouchard's office of the Stingray, a suitcase-size surveillance device that mimics a cell tower and allows police to grab phone data from a targeted phone. My concern was that not much is known about Stingray and similar devices in use by local police departments, thanks to manufacturer/government nondisclosure agreements that keep both the cost and device specifics shrouded in secrecy. From what little anyone can gather, some of these devices automatically sweep up phone data from all cell phones within one mile or a greater area in some cases. I am not sure I walked away from the breakfast with any less concern about possible loss of privacy rights on the part of the public. I approach any such infringement on the part of the government by erring on the side of the public's right to privacy. I did leave the breakfast with a more thorough understanding of the new challenges facing law enforcement professionals in today's society against the backdrop of the threat of domestic and international terrorism that is high on the public radar screen. Keep in mind that our get-together was coming off the heels of the 2014 shooting of African American Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, by a white police officer, so the topic on everyone's mind was the added fear about the over-militarization of local police departments, thanks in large part to the federal program started during the George W. Bush administration, which included giving away military equipment no longer needed for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Michigan public safety departments received, since 2006, about $40 million of surplus equipment, including tracked armored vehicles, grenade launchers – you name it. Bouchard made a strong case for some of the equipment obtained by his department and neighboring county sheriffs who any day could be called on to deal with the threat of terrorism that we all know exists today. His most vivid example was the success his department had in employing an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle in a West Bloomfield gunman incident in West Bloomfield during which his department was able to safely evacuate hostages, if memory serves me correctly.
I also felt comfortable knowing that on large county events, like the Woodward Dream Cruise, for example, unbeknown to attendees, similar equipment is strategically located – but well out of sight – for quick response along the cruise route, should an immediate response be needed to a threatening situation. There is a legitimate concern about the blurring of the fine line on what the public has long considered sacrosanct – a clear distinction between an organized military force and local police departments, but Bouchard has shown he is sensitive to these same concerns. That is why it is with some disappointment that we are now watching the Obama administration overreacting to the national debate about over-militarization of local police departments with an executive order in the past year that requires some of the unused war items to be returned to the federal government. The order requires police departments in this state and nationwide to return tracked armored vehicles, weaponized aircraft, grenade launchers, bayonets and similar items to be given up by local departments. It has always seemed over-the-top, if not dangerous, that local police departments would need items like grenade launchers and weaponized aircraft, but MRAP vehicles are another matter. So I was at least heartened by a letter protesting the new policy to the current administration that was authored by Congressman David Trott (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills), who was joined by Mike Bishop (Rochester, Rochester Hills) and four other GOP congress members from the Michigan delegation, attempting to reverse the mandatory equipment return policy. Ignore the fact that as taxpayers we have already paid for this equipment no longer in use, or that Oakland can afford to purchase other similar vehicles. Be it Bouchard's department or other county/regional law enforcement agencies, more is being expected in terms of homeland security and response, and as residents we want to know that someone can provide it quickly when the situation arises. These departments are the first responders, our first line of defense/offense if a crisis develops like the recent massacres in San Bernardino, California, or Paris. Without question there have been some abuses by a few departments across the country when it comes to employing the used military equipment, but unless a compromise can be struck, we will all be paying the price for the lack of readiness thanks to the loss of some of this equipment.
David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
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FACES Brian Keselowski grew up in the grandstands,” said race car driver and Rochester Hills native Brian Keselowski, 34, who was born into a racing family and continues to make tracks of his own. “It really started back when my grandfather was a racer. He raced motorcycles back in the ‘40s, then he got out of driving and into owning race cars,” Keselowski said. “Rochester Hills, and Michigan, is a different environment for racing, because it’s not a typical sport, but we used to have a go-kart and ride around professionally. Neither (myself nor my younger brother, Brad) started driving (cars) until later.” As a teenager, Keselowski worked full time as the jack man for K-Automotive, the racing team owned by his father and uncle. “The jack man is equated to the quarterback of the pit crew. He’s the one that makes everything happen. If the vehicle doesn’t go up, it doesn’t happen. I was skinny and small to do that as a 16-year-old, but it got easier to do.” With the help of night classes, Keselowski graduated in 1999 from Rochester High School. The following year, he was awarded rookie of the year at Auto City Speedway. Then in 2004, Keselowski made his stock car debut, placing ninth at the Kentucky Speedway behind the wheel of #29 Competition Graphics Dodge. Two years later, at the Berlin Raceway in Michigan, Keselowski won his first race. He’s competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and in 2009, he drove #26, sponsored by the Detroit Red Wings. After 18 races that season, he switched to chief of the pit crew. Keselowski moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, about five years ago, where he operates his business, Brian Keselowski Motorsports. In a 7,500 square foot full-service race shop, he and his staff, including his father, install engines, bodies, shocks, anti-roll bars, and more. “I run my own race team, own my own cars, and race vehicles for other people too. It’s a multi-headed deal because of money,” he said. “Money by speed. It’s the way racing operates. If you have more money you can buy better parts and go faster. I race others so I can afford to race my own.” Even if he’s not driving, Keselowski plays a vital part in determining a win or not. “Races are won at the race shop, rather than the race track. It’s very important to come to a track in really close form. Each racetrack is quite a bit different, so each one will get a different (vehicle) set-up,” he said. “We have different springs and sway bar combos for everywhere we go.” In 2011, Keselowski completed the Daytona 500 in car #92, driving for K-Automotive Motorsports, and in October 2015, he raced his first truck in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Talladega. He was the driver for his brother’s race team, Brad Keselowski Racing. “We had a position to win the race, and ran out of gas. Everybody was trying to minimize the amount of time spent in the pit. “At a race, everybody shows up on Thursday, so it’s a tailgate through Monday. It’s not just a fun thing – it’s a lifestyle. We travel from town to town. It’s almost like a circus. You take the circus into a town where there’s nobody, and it turns into hundreds of thousands of people in the stands.”
I
Story: Katie Deska
Photo: Pat Brandon
RUTH MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, from Oakland County’s Groveland Township, got her first taste of government as a young woman in the 1970s, when she battled as a citizen activist in the north part of the county against an internationally-owned waste disposal company that had bought 198 acres to fill a gravel pit right across from her home, which would have impacted the Marshall Formation Aquifer, a natural water supply provider to 300,000 people “that don’t have a secondary water supply, so if it became contaminated, it would have had a devastating impact on the state of Michigan,” as she recalls. But challenges were nothing new for Johnson. She grew up in Waterford Township, the daughter of a widowed mother. Her first job, at 13, was as the first female paper carrier for the Pontiac Press, now the Oakland Press. She was accepted to Michigan State University, which she says was her “dream,” but when she figured out the finances, “there was just no way,” so she first attended Oakland Community College before she graduated from Oakland University. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University. Johnson’s first political office was as an Oakland County commissioner, from 1988 to 1998, at which time she was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and was re-elected in 2000 and 2002. Term-limited, she next moved on to defeat incumbent Republican Oakland County Clerk “Doc” Caddell to take that office, the first female to ever be elected to that position. Johnson, in 2006, was the lieutenant governor candidate on the statewide Dick DeVos gubernatorial ticket, which lost to Governor Jennifer Granholm. In 2010, she won the Republican party nomination to successfully run for the secretary of state office, to which she was then re-elected in 2014. Term limits prevents Johnson, married and the mother of a 16-year-old daughter, from running again for that office. Downtown Publications News Editor Lisa Brody sat down with
Johnson to discuss her job as secretary of state, controversial decisions and her future in political office. As secretary of state, you have streamlined wait times at branch offices; launched ExpressSOS.com, a website offering the full range of auto and driver license registration and renewal options; maintained a focus on transparency on campaign finance disclosure; boosted organ donor registration in the state and created a veterans’ license plate program benefitting veterans’ services. So what is the focus of your remaining three years in office? Some of it is a continuation. Some (branches) you can actually call up and make an appointment. If there’s an hour wait, you’ll know. You can do whatever you want, whether it’s stay at work or go grocery shopping, do banking, whatever it is that you want to do, you can. You don’t have to stand in line. We did 10 branches that worked so well, we added eight more recently. We’re looking at even more as we go along. The whole idea is how do we have a system that people don’t have to waste their time standing in line. The other thing is we started something called ExpressSOS.com. We only need to see you once every eight years to renew your license in person. If you don’t need a picture, which you do every eight years, you simply can go on the computer at ExpressSOS.com if you have a charge card and get everything done. And what people don’t know is print-and-go, we call it – if you print the receipt and put it in your wallet, you don’t have to have the tab yet. As long as you have the receipt, you’re good to go. Some people think, ‘Oh I waited too long, and it’s going to take a week for them to mail it to me, so now I have to go stand in line.’ It’s not true as long as you carry the receipt with you. That’s a really good way to save a lot of time. It’s open 24/7. We’ve even had people on major holidays get their tabs. If you lose a title, lose a registration, if you want to renew a boat license, if you want to renew your driver’s license, or your state ID license on the fourth year, you don’t have to
FROM OAKLAND COUNTY TO LANSING CAPITAL
JOHNSON
ART CREATED FROM OFFICIAL STATE PHOTO / PHOTOS ON PAGES 17,18,19,20 BY LAURIE TENNENT
come in. We’ve tried to make this faster, easier, better for people. The other thing is, we did a research project to look into fraud. And what we found is we have a fair amount of fraud that’s under the secretary of state’s office. We’ve put resources and time into identifying, quantifying, and qualifying – what are our issues with fraud? Where is the greatest amount of fraud? Interestingly enough, we picked one day, and tried to see where people don’t have car insurance or bogus car insurance. There are a number of companies that are not reputable that sell you insurance and you find out you don’t have it when you have an accident or when you need it for some reason. We found somebody out in a parking lot with a laptop and a printer. People should know that’s not legitimate insurance. It’s a big problem that costs the rest of us $220 million a year to pay for the insurance for the uninsured. The rest of us are paying for that. Then there’s the catastrophic fund that we all have to pay into for the uninsured. When we looked into where we had the most problems, we found that it was over half the 83 counties – it didn’t matter if it was Upper Peninsula, lower, east or west. Every part of Michigan, over half the counties. And we had, at that time, 16.1 percent of them were not valid. So we went to work on that, and cut that in half, but it’s still not enough. Another point of fraud I’m very concerned about is someone who wants to buy a used car, either buys it in many different ways – it can be CraigsList, somebody selling it from their house, even sometimes from a car lot, which we’ve really cracked down on fraud. We’ve put on notice that their license is suspended. We’re investigating 114 different shops, which is unheard of. We’re going after chop shops; we’re going after places that are selling cars that have been in floods, that are supposed to be salvaged, but they put together fraudulent title and use it and then some unsuspecting person overpays and gets a car that has significant problems. Whether it’s the Upper Peninsula or the Lower Peninsula, another problem is people can fraudulently put together a title to a car with all the electronics and photocopy machines and computers, that looks pretty convincing. We’re working on making all of that electronic so it can’t happen. I don’t know the exact numbers, because we don’t catch every one, but we know it’s a substantial problem, especially for someone who has probably given their life savings for a car, after they shopped around and everything looked okay but it wasn’t. I’m going to work to continue the qualified voter file, because that is the foundation to integrity in our voter system. One of your chief responsibilities as secretary of state is managing elections but you have hit bumps along the way. You have had a disagreement with Governor Snyder over adding a check box to ballot application forms requiring voters to indicate whether they’re a citizen. You claimed in 2012 that 4,000 non-citizens vote in Michigan elections, but a state analysis suggested perhaps 54 ineligible voters out of a sample of 58,000 had voted. In actuality, reportedly of the 1.2 million people voting in that GOP primary, maybe four people may not have been citizens, and it’s been reported your office could only substantiate two. A Voting Rights Coalition filed suit in federal court on September 17, 2012, charging the citizen check box was “unconstitutional and in violation of federal and state law,” and Snyder vetoed legislation to put it on the ballot, yet you still put it on the 2012 ballots, which news reports indicate caused considerable confusion at the polls. In the face of one or two possible instances out of millions of voters, why would you do this? Your information is not accurate, to begin with. I never said how many people voted that were non-citizens, ever. However, we did do a small sampling and out of that small sampling, counted 663
people that were non-citizens that were registered. I don’t have a comprehensive list of how many non-citizens that there are, but to me, it’s so important to make sure that the people who are voting are registered voters legally. You must be a U.S. citizen to vote. Is this where your energies are best put forth, or is this just an example of a Republican trying to energize the Tea Party or radical GOP base by playing to an issue? No. I think you have to look at how we clean up the qualified voter file. When I came into office, there was 102.45 percent of registered voters in Michigan. One hundred and two point four five percent. So cleaning up the registered voter file is extremely important. We did a subscription with the Social Security Administration and found tens of thousands of dead people. We took those off. We joined a coalition with other states and found hundreds of thousands of people who don’t live in Michigan anymore and are registered in one or more states. And while we don’t have a system to check, we do know that some people have voted in more than one, or both, states. How many? I can’t quantify for you. But it’s a problem when you have people voting twice, it’s a problem when you have dead people voting, and it’s a problem when you have non-citizens voting – not just for the system. When a non-citizen votes, they commit a felony. I’ll give you a quick example. A very nice man from Thailand in Kalamazoo owned a restaurant – his family is here, a job provider. He was becoming a U.S. citizen. He was doing everything right. On his fifth year, he went back to Immigration to finalize that he would be a U.S. citizen, and he was so proud – and by the way, in Indonesia it’s compulsory to vote. They asked him, ‘Have you voted?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I did.’ And they said, ‘You’re being deported.’ Because it is wrong, it is a felony. It protects people, because when he came over, he didn’t speak English. This isn’t some kind of organized effort that I could find. It is simply that our offices across this nation were told you must ask everyone. And for good reason. But the right hand and the left hand didn’t know what each other were doing, so non-citizens were asked over and over, ‘Would you like to vote?’ They didn’t speak English; they registered, and then they got a card and they thought could vote. We know, just from the small group we’ve looked at, there were 663 noncitizens registered to vote. We’ve sent letters to all of them. I think it’s important to remember that every person in this country, that is qualified, is asked to register to vote. I’m very proud of our record. We’re number one in the country in getting people registered to vote. At the same time, you put a check box on the ballot against a veto by Governor Snyder. I had a right to do that administratively, and did do that. We had two elections that worked just fine with that on there. And, by the way, many other states have that on there as well. But what we did is come to an agreement, and I believe it gives the protections that we need because I wasn’t asking anyone to bring in papers to share you are a U.S. citizen, but to protect them and the integrity of the elections, I want to make sure they are. Now, when you get your registration request, when you sign it, it says, “I am a U.S. citizen, 18, live in this district I am voting in” – we’ve had people vote in districts they are not. And we have made it so much easier. We have 600,000 or 700,000 people in this state who move, but they forget to change their voter registration. That just didn’t seem fair. Michigan has the second most voting districts in the United States of America, but we have home rule. I think it’s good because it’s local. The more local it is, the more accountability there is. You are on record for backing a bill, House Bill 4724, now stalled in committee, to expand absentee voting for any reason, which 27 states permit. Why is this important, and what is the likelihood this can be moved through the House and Senate?
There’s nothing more important in America that making sure you’re a qualified voter that is registered. To encourage you, and then to make it secure, and yet as convenient as possible. I believe that as long as you have secure absentee voting, it encourages more participation. You have generally been supportive of online voter registration. You have also been part of a push to extend online delivery of ballots to servicemen and women outside of the country. Would you support online delivery of ballots and voting by the general population if it would help increase voter participation? One way to do that is to make sure our voter file doesn’t have 102.45 percent registered voters, but does have qualified voters. And it’s much easier, and the legislature has held off on that because when you look at that number, it makes you uncertain about the integrity and security of elections. We have two dozen elections that were decided by less than 100 votes. I’ve had people say, ‘Oh, so what’s 663 out of the thousands of votes? Could that number make the difference in the presidential election?’ I don’t look at it that way. Every vote counts. And if someone votes who shouldn’t, they nullify someone who should. I was one of the five secretary of states chosen to go to the middle east, chosen to see how we can get our military to vote and how we can get participation. I do believe we can do absentee balloting in a way that is very secure, and we’re working with the legislature on that issue. We have cleaned up the voter file, and it makes it much more likely that we could get that passed. I support secure absentee voting for our electorate. I think that’s very important to allow as many ways as we can for people to participate in this great system of one person, one vote. I continue to support that, and work with the legislature. One of my biggest challenges is to show how we’ve cleaned up the voter file so that I can convince the legislature that it is secure. I think we’re getting there. To date, 33 states permit early voting, where a person may cast a ballot in person during a designated period prior to Election Day, without any excuse or justification. With less than 50 percent of Michigan’s population voting in the 2012 general presidential election, would it benefit the voting population at large to have greater flexibility in when they could vote? If we’re able to get through no reason absentee, it would do exactly that, without lines. Michigan’s different, and I support home rule. It’s very difficult, when I ran in Oakland County (for county clerk), I had to get 63 different rules on signs. Each community is different. We have a very unique system that very few states in the nation have, and that is local home rule. Your local clerk conducts those elections. We have 399 local clerks. We have over 30,000 precinct workers. They work in churches, schools. It’s not like in other states where they have one county seat and everyone goes to the county building and you can have it open for a week or two. These are schools and churches and municipal buildings that allow us. When you look at how Michigan does it – as I look at it, who’s more accountable to you than your local clerk, rather than somebody in Lansing? That’s why I’m so passionate about getting no reason absentee ballots, because it’s not early voting, because everything is tallied on election day, which is again, integrity and security. The other part is getting people registered and encouraging them to vote. It’s really two-fold. We’ve met with many of the legislators to go over with what we’re doing, to make sure there’s integrity in the election. It’s a slow process. More than I’d like. But I really feel we’re getting there, and we’ll continue to push forward on it. You are responsible for overseeing campaign finance disclosure and in 2013 you announced that you would amend some rules
to force disclosure of donors or dark-money donors for certain types of political advertising. The Republican House and Senate and governor responded by passing a law that prevented you from forcing disclosure. Does that effectively end your efforts in this area? I’ll never stop pushing for better and more FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) laws; I’ll never stop pushing for disclosure. The more we know as citizens, and that’s how I got involved as a citizen activist, the better. We did get many things passed that I thought were important, including more disclosure, for both the PACs and for the people who are disclosing, more electronic disclosure, robocall disclosure. We got many things accomplished. But yes, we need more. Although not much has been written about it, your office has reportedly combined various investigative positions to form a special unit within your office. One of the first accomplishments was a crackdown on used car dealers in Detroit and other communities who were circumventing state laws applying to car registrations. Is it possible this special investigative unit could be used to increase scrutiny of campaign election spending violations in the future? I think we have a good system right now for doing that. Chris Thomas, I always tease him, he’s the director of elections, he’s survived four secretaries of state, he’s known as one of the best, if not the best, in the nation. I think the system that we use right now works very well, but we’re always looking for ways to make it look better. Do you support the Senate legislation which has now moved to the House to eliminate straight party ticket voting on the general election ballot – a move that was opposed by a number of organizations, including the state association of municipal clerks? I think it has some good points to it, and some not-so-good points. If Michigan does pass that law, that will make us the 40th state in the nation to not allow straight party elections, where you just, in essence, pull a lever if you’re older. Now you just fill the oval. I was reading what’s happening around the United States, why we’d be number 40, in doing this. One of the reasons is that sometimes, people vote with just one oval. Some judges run partisan, some don’t. Some other folks, down the ballot, have fall off. When you do have any sort of partisan elections, there are some reasons it could make the lines longer, people may not know about the person they’re electing. People have to fill out all the ovals to vote for everyone they’re electing. And there’s always a drop off (down the ballot). President always gets way more votes than anyone else, and as you go down, there becomes less people who vote. It’s a lot of work. I think the most work doesn’t come from going to the precinct, and I always loved going to my precinct and say hi to everyone and vote, but by far, the most work is doing all the research on the candidates. That takes hours and hours. Well, you hear about the top of the ticket, but as you go down, people aren’t as aware. We try to provide information. But there aren’t a lot of venues to find out. There’s not. And the hazard to having less media outlets that are written, that do in-depth, is that you might hear some sound bites or name recognition, as opposed to, do I feel this person, would they do a good job? I don’t care if I disagree with them on some issues. I want to know they’re doing the right things for the right reasons. And that’s sometimes difficult to know for some of the people on the ticket. Your predecessor in the secretary of state office, Terry Lynn Land, allowed a transgender, with a supporting letter from a
doctor, to change their gender on a driver license. When you came into office you changed that policy to require a changed birth certificate before a driver license could be changed. In May 2015, on behalf of six transgender plaintiffs, the ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the Michigan Secretary of State’s office challenging its policy of requiring a birth certificate to change gender on a driver’s license, which they assert puts them at risk for harassment, discrimination and violence. In recent days, federal Judge Nancy Edmunds ruled the case will go forward, stating, “This is a claim affecting personhood in the most fundamental way: gender identity.” According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, only one-fifth of people who have transitioned have been able to update all of their IDs and records with their new gender, and one-third have updated none of their records. Whether we understand or approve of transgender issues is irrelevant – it’s a personal issue. Why fight this fight? Right now, it is in court, so I am not at liberty to make any comments. I do not comment on anything in litigation. So what is next for Ruth Johnson in terms of future political office? We have heard your name kicked around as a potential candidate for governor and our sources say you could be looking at a run for Oakland County Executive depending on what happens to Brooks Patterson. Would you consider taking on Brooks Patterson for the post of county executive? (Laughter) Brooks does a great job. Yes, but the next election will be for two years, according to pending changes. I have never run for one office to run for another. I’m only in my first year (of my new term for) Secretary of State, which I signed up for three weeks before the deadline, which probably isn’t great strategy. I signed up for county clerk 10 minutes before the deadline. But I’m sure you were thinking about it before you signed up. Yes, I was thinking about it before I signed up. But I didn’t make a decision. And right now, there’s so much more to do in my office. I’m really putting all my focus on how I can do a better job – how we can have better convenience as far at all our DMV, for anyone who needs a driver’s license or state ID. I want to make sure state elections have the integrity it needs but I also want to make sure that people are able to participate by having secure absentee voting, for people who would like to use it. And fraud is such a big issue, and I feel like often the people who are taken advantage of are the ones who have the least resources to fight it. If a woman gives her whole life savings, $5,000 for a car, (and is scammed), how does she hire an attorney? How does she ever get that money back? So many times the fraud hurts the people who can afford it the least. When I grew up in Waterford, my dad did not have a high school degree. My mom did, she was a stay at home mom. My dad, unfortunately, had a massive heart attack very young, and my mom was left with three kids to raise and we lived under the poverty level. We all went and got jobs. I was the first woman to deliver the newspaper. It was called the Pontiac Press – but they made me use my best friend’s name, Kevin Hanson, who I took his place, because girls were not allowed to deliver the paper. I used a Honda 50 motorcycle. I have a motorcycle operator’s license to this day. I love motorcycles, I love kayaking. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I just don’t know it until I’ve intellectually lived it. Where money is hard to come by. It’s tight. People are trying to feed their families, trying to take care of their kids. Every time we do something that makes it too expensive for people and say, ‘Well, that’s just not a big deal.’ I had a commissioner once, who I liked very much, who said, ‘Well, that’s
nothing more than a Happy Meal a day.’ Well, a Happy Meal for a day would have been too much for a lot of families. I’m always concerned, always trying to make government more frugal, more accountable – and more transparent. How do citizens get involved and fight unless they know what’s going on? That’s what this country was built on. Do you like it from the statewide viewpoint, or are you more of a home girl? You were county clerk, you were a commissioner. You’ve had a mix, also being state representative representing your district in Oakland County, and now secretary of state, you have a statewide perch. At which level of office do you find your voice resonates best? As county commissioner, I started performance audits. My goal has always been the same. I’ve always worked for broadened FOIA, and that’s why I got involved. I did a lot of FOIA’s when we were trying to stop one of the largest corporations in the world from bringing this toxic waste facility in, and we found problem after problem, both at the county level and the state level, so whatever position I am in, I want to make government more accountable and more transparent. I really don’t know what my future holds. And campaigns are expensive. They’re very expensive. If you look at the amounts that were raised for statewides, I’m somewhere between ten-times less than everybody, and more. I’m very frugal. Would it change your mind if (U.S. Congresswoman) Candace Miller enters the governor’s race? She’d be an excellent candidate. She’s been very helpful when I need help with anything. She’s always been there for me, or her staff. People get us mixed up all the time. I’m called Candace more than Ruth when people see me. They’ll say, ‘I know you, don’t I?’ Like at Costco. I’ll say, yes, I’m your secretary of state. ‘Oh, how are you doing, Candace. You’re doing a great job.’ Oh, thank you very much. We’ll have a lot of good candidates that will run for governor. It will be an exciting time. It will be an important time, because Michigan has gone from being one of the worst states in the nation. We’re the only state that had loss of population from one census to the next. We had some of the worst real estate. We were one of the worst states in the nation for corporations to come to, and now they’re coming here. We’re the 10th best in the nation now. We’re not the best, but we’re in the ball game now. And we have a governor and lieutenant governor that never rest. They’re always looking to bring more job providers here. And when they do, I become the governor for that short time, which has been interesting. I’ve signed bills. There’s a certain protocol. And if there’s any kind of disaster, whether a natural disaster or manmade disaster, I’ve had to learn many new things. And I always find that very interesting. Now we have five percent unemployment, which is below the national average. It was just a few years ago we had 14.7 percent – that’s people who can’t feed their families, people who can’t make their house payments, people who can’t make car payments, and they’re worried about their kids. It’s a horrible thing when people who want to work can’t get a job. I’m very proud of the leadership in Michigan and what they’ve been able to accomplish in taking Michigan from one of the worst states in the nation to one of the Scan for audio Ruth Johnson very best in the nation, and I’m very proud to interview. be part of that team in my own little way.
Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes 248.379.3000 lbaker@hallandhunter.com
248.379.3003 dgannes@hallandhunter.com
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FACES
Meredith Lea Bailey ochester Hills artist Meredith Lea Bailey has been making her unique watercolor paintings for years, but it wasn't until last summer, when a friend encouraged her to enter an area art competition, that she shared her work with the public. "This is the first time I've shown my fine artwork," Bailey said, who has worked as a designer and illustrator for three decades. "All these years, I've been painting behind the scenes. I've been starting and stopping, and in the meantime, I started my own separate entity as a photographer, which I love doing." As a designer and illustrator, Bailey's work has been featured on the album covers of legendary jazz musician Earl Klugh. Founding her own design company in 1984, Bailey has been an art director, designer, medical illustrator and photographer to local, national and international companies, earning several awards for her work. Earning her bachelor's degree in graphic design at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Bailey learned to paint and do photography on her own. Using some of the photos she had taken of others over the years as a reference, Bailey discovered how to create hyper-realistic portrait watercolor paintings. Her watercolors include celebrity faces from the '20s to '40s, faces from around the world, and a storybook-like animal series. "I use single-hair brushes and use billions of layers," she said of the painting process. "I'm self-taught as a painter. I've never taken a painting class â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I was a design and illustrating major. The painting is something I do in the midnight hours for my sanity." Bailey has spent the majority of her daytime hours taking care of her son, John, now 12-years-old, who was born with a congenital heart defect. Coping with complications and homeschooling John herself, she moved back to Michigan nearly three years ago from the Santa Barbara area of California. "He loves Michigan, he loves the snow, and moving to Rochester Hills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he got a new team of doctors that have been lifesaving to him, literally," she said. "It was a total godsend to come back to Michigan." Bailey moved to California from West Bloomfield, where she moved with her family from the East Coast when she was in seventh grade. Growing up in a house full of musicians, inventors, designers and builders, finding creative ways to pass her time was simply part of her childhood. "We lived in a very conservative, upscale neighborhood," she said. "But people would stop their cars and look in our drive because there was an airplane in our drive. My dad would build experimental aircraft." In September of 2015, Bailey was pushed by a friend to enter her paintings in the MIGreatArtist competition. With 109 artists entered in the competition and more than 22,000 votes cast, Bailey was one of the five finalists selected to be featured at the Park West Gallery in Southfield through January 8. "I wanted to do something that nobody else had done," she said of her paintings. "Oil painting and acrylic is very forgiving, and watercolor isn't. I wanted to challenge myself and do something that is remarkable. "I think I was born with this gift. It makes no sense to me that I would just be able to do this," she said. "I also have an incredibly patient personality, and I think that's part of it."
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
BY LISA BRODY AND KATIE DESKA
THE STATUS OF OAKLAND COUNTY, CIRCA 2016
LANDFILLS
rash. It's typically a topic we don't think much about, beyond putting it out at the curb on the appointed night and bringing in the empty garbage cans and recycling bins the next day. For most of us, garbage is something we throw away and it's gone. Yet nothing is ever really gone when it comes to trash. Trash and recycled materials are managed, utilizing appropriate waste management mechanisms and developing technologies to lower the usage of landfill space, increase recycling, and use other technologies, such as incinerators, to maximize landfill potential. That's why Oakland County officials, and their counterparts in the other 82 Michigan counties, have been grappling for decades with the issue of waste disposal and whether we have sufficient landfill space locally to handle our share of the 250 tons of trash, as of 2010, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says was generated a year nationally, with more than half of that going to landfills. Continued and effective solid waste management is a cooperate venture that involves mutual efforts on the part of federal, state, regional and local governmental entities. In the United States, the EPA regulates household, industrial, manufacturing and commercial trash and hazardous wastes under the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, a modification of the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, which addressed, in a coordinated and concerted effort, how to safely dispose of large amounts of municipal and industrial wastes. The goal was to protect human health and the environment, to reduce wastes and to limit hazardous waste. Amendments to the act were added in 1980 and 1984 to address hazardous and solid waste issues as they have evolved. Efforts to add other amendments, or to initiate other legislative regulations over waste and its disposal and transport, have been continuous, but not always successful. In 1988, a law was enacted to prohibit the dumping of all municipal sewage sludge and industrial waste in the ocean; that same year, the Medical Waste Tracking Act was passed. While the EPA monitors overall waste management and interstate disbursal, in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) deals with waste issues pertaining to solid waste, hazardous waste, hazardous and liquid industrial waste, medical waste, radiological protection, recycling, and scrap tires. In that capacity, they regulate and monitor landfills in the state. A landfill is a large area of land used to dispose of refuse and other waste material by burying it and covering it over with soil, especially as a way to extend or fill in usable land. “The landfills, by law, are required to pay the MDEQ solid waste fees that have to be deposited into a certain account,” said Steve Silver, assistant chief of waste management and radiological protection for MDEQ. According to the Environmental Research Foundation, landfills in Michigan must have a special liner at the bottom along with a leachate collection system to prevent decomposition and contacting wastes leaching into the groundwater; a cover to prevent leachate formation; and a natural hydrogeologic setting to prevent wastes from escaping. “You want the geology to do two contradictory things for
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you. To prevent the wastes from escaping, you want rocks as tight (waterproof) as possible. Yet if leakage occurs, you want the geology to be as simple as possible so you can easily predict where the wastes will go. Then you can put down wells and capture the escaped wastes by pumping. Fractured bedrock is highly undesirable beneath a landfill because the wastes cannot be located if they escape. Mines and quarries should be avoided because they frequently contact the groundwater,” the Environmental Research Foundation said. The foundation also noted that plastic bottom liners are not as advisable as a composite liner, where the plastic is joined with compacted soil. However, different landfill designs can be utilized for solid or household waste, construction waste or hazardous waste. According to an EPA report, the number of municipal solid waste landfills across the country have dropped from 7,924 in 1988, to 1,754 in 2006. Municipal landfills around the country were closed for numerous reasons. Some reached their maximum capacity, and had to be closed, with some being repurposed. Others were closed because they had been improperly set up and leached toxins into local groundwater. Others emitted toxic fumes. A former Sanicem landfill in Auburn Hills, which was closed in 1978 due to improper maintenance, and is now repurposed into light industrial manufacturing on the 145acre site, has been undergoing testing over the last several months of 2015 by the MDEQ along with experts hired by the city of Auburn Hills, after methane gas was detected on the site. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is emitted by natural sources such as wetlands, as well as leakage from natural gas systems and landfills, and is colorless and odorless, and can be flammable. According to the EPA, methane is generated by landfills as waste decomposes, and is the third largest source of methane emissions. City officials have tested and monitored wells on the site, and while three wells have tested positive for methane, officials say they do not believe the public is at risk. Waste management companies have also developed other ways to manage refuse so they do not have as much of a need for landfills, including a higher percentage of recycling, greater incinerator use, and finding ways to convert waste to other sources of energy. In 2000, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved a solid waste plan that urged Oakland County municipalities to provide specialized solid waste services and recycling services, noting that there were only four sites at that time, that had dual waste processing and transfer station designations. There was the recognition at that time that “existing landfill disposal capacity within Oakland County may be depleted within the planning period...Oakland County in cooperation with other Michigan counties has access opportunities to more than a sufficient amount of landfill disposal capacity to meet its disposal needs for the five-year and ten-year planning periods...Uncertainty exists, however as it relates to the continuing availability of in-county landfill capacity...it is conceivable that Oakland County will be required to export 100 percent of its waste stream by the end of the next decade.” At that time, there was also enormous concern from the public regarding taking in trash from Canada, and whether there would be enough capacity for all of our own waste. An MDEQ report from September 2014, estimating
remaining capacity, volume and point of origin of the waste stream reported by each landfill, determined that today there is about a three-decade capacity in Oakland County. “There's roughly about 22 to 23 percent of waste that's disposed of in Michigan landfills that is coming from out of state or Canada,” said MDEQ's Silver. “If you go back to the late '70s and early '80s, Michigan and other states were closing open dumps that threatened groundwater, and were problematic for a number of reasons, and we all passed laws that were consistent with federal law. “In the late 1980s, there was a concern whether there was enough space to hold all the waste, so every county had to ensure they had a landfill available to dispose of their waste,” Silver continued, “Or an incinerator so we didn't have to worry about where the waste would go. All the counties did a good job. In Michigan, in every county, they ensured there was adequate disposal capacity.” Silver said that today, there is about 25 to 26 years worth of landfill capacity statewide. “That's a lot,” he said. But is that really a lot of capacity? Landfill owners today usually develop only a portion of their property for a landfill, and once that is full, they petition their local county board and then the local municipality to open a new “cell” to create an expanded landfill. oe Munem, director of government affairs and public relations for Rizzo Services, said that once a landfill is complete, “They can always come in to petition to open new cells. They dig a hole in the ground, put in liners, and that's called a cell. If they do that between the trash mountain to the adjacent space, then you go and line in the area in between, and that adds to the life span of these things considerably.” While the land is waiting to be used, some companies, like Waste Management, have created wildlife habitat areas. Tom Horton, media spokesperson for Waste Management of Houston, said they have wildlife habitats at three of their metro Detroit landfill facilities, including Eagle Valley in Orion Township. “Our wildlife habitat areas are certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council,” he said, noting that the company is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. The Wildlife Habitat Council had a goal in 2007 to have 100 wildlife habitats at landfills by 2020; they reached that goal by 2010, and they stated they now protect 26,000 acres nationwide by landfills. Munem acknowledged that some landfills, like Pine Tree Acres in Lenox Township, “are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Pine Tree Acres has less than 10 years – but they could petition for more.” Our own waste is not the only thing filling our landfills. Michigan is ranked as one of the top trash importer states, along with Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois, according to numbers from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Michigan ranks third, taking municipal waste products from other states, both near and far, from states like Connecticut and New Jersey which are constrained by a lack of space. And currently, 17 percent of the trash in Michigan landfills comes from Canada, because “it is more economically
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efficient for Canadians to pay to transport their trash hundreds of miles than to dump trash in their own landfills,” according to the Michigan Policy Network. “Each year about 60,000 trucks carrying 2.25 million tons of trash enter Michigan from the north.” In 2006, Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin (D) pushed for approval of a U.S. House bill that would have blocked Canadian trash from coming into Michigan, but it died. They worked out a deal with Ontario to phase out all shipments of household trash from Toronto and other Ontario communities, but industrial and commercial waste continues to enter Michigan. That refuse is not monitored; nor is waste from other states. It is considered a commodity which is bought and sold for a price – and Michigan's landfills are cheap in comparison to other states. Called tipping fees, it is the charge levied upon an amount of waste at a waste processing facility, and is generally levied to offset the cost of running the landfill. “The Senator, along with Senator Levin, was able to get an agreement with the Ontario government to phase out municipal waste,” said Stabenow spokesperson Matt Williams. Because of the Commerce Act and interstate treaties, industrial and commercial waste continues to enter Michigan. “Michigan's tipping fees are very low,” Williams said. “The legislature sets the fees. For better or worse, landfills economically better their communities.” Michigan charges approximately $10 to $20 per ton less for waste than many other states, making the state a desirable destination for trash, especially Canada. In 2011, Stabenow introduced the Stop Canadian Trash Act, “to stop the remaining Canadian private waste by changing the financial incentives that makes it cheaper for Canada to dump their waste in Michigan instead of their own landfills.” She said through Williams, “Canadian trash poses serious health, safety, and security threats to Michigan families and communities. Senator Levin and I were able to stop Ontario's city waste from being dumped in our backyard, but now it's time to stop the rest of the trash coming across the border.” However, the bill went nowhere. The Trash Act, introduced in August 2015 by Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA), would amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to restrict interstate waste imports and impose a higher fee on out of state waste “requiring that waste imported from another state be only from states with equivalent or higher standards of waste handling and reduction..(with) imposition of higher fees on interstate waste imports.” Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) said he sees some constitutional issues with the act, especially pertaining to the 10th Amendment, that must be addressed in this legislation before it moves forward. The 10th Amendment of the Constitution deals with the Commerce Clause, and the ability of the federal government to regulate interstate markets. Both he and Rep. Dave Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills) noted that so far, the legislation has only been proposed in the Senate. Waste-related trade organizations are opposed to the interstate restrictions. On the flipside, Michigan also exports some of its refuse back over the border. According to Michigan Policy Network, our state sends hazardous waste to Canada where there are more advanced treatment facilities, such as our old paint cans, pesticides, used batteries, televisions and other electronics, and yard waste, just as lawn clippings, which
surprisingly is considered hazardous waste because of its combustibility. urrently, Oakland County has just two landfills, Eagle Valley Recycling and Disposal Facility on W. Silverbell in Orion Township, and Oakland Heights Development on Brown Road in Auburn Hills. In a change in the model over the years, there are a number of transfer stations in the county, where waste management companies temporarily store the garbage they have collected, often just for the day. They sort and compact it and then transport it to their disposal endpoint. There are transfer stations throughout Oakland County, including the Advanced Disposal Transfer Station on Collier Road in Pontiac; Waste Management on W. Highwood in Pontiac; SOCCRA Transfer Station on Coolidge Highway in Troy, which also operates as a recycling center; SOCCRA on John R. in Madison Heights; Allied Waste Industries on W. Eight Mile Road in Southfield; FPT Pontiac Division on Collier Road, in Pontiac; and RRRASOC on W. Eight Mile Road in Southfield, for recyclables. Horton of Waste Management, which owns 16 landfills in Michigan, including Eagle Valley landfill in Orion Township, said, “We don't handle hazardous waste, although there is a hazardous waste facility in Van Buren Township.” He said the MDEQ inspects all of the landfills four times a year, “and makes sure our operating license is in compliance. We have ongoing contact with MDEQ throughout the years, and look up licenses on operating standards and procedures, like leachate collection system that collects water, because we're required to treat any rainwater that falls on the site. We follow requirements on how water is maintained on the sites; there are air quality standards we have to comply with, and odor regulations, and groundwater monitoring, to make sure we're maintaining the landfill properly. It is up to us ensure the facility is protecting the environment during its operating period.” Waste Management also owns Pine Tree Acres landfill in Macomb County, which is the largest landfill in the midwest. According to Rizzo's Munem, “Almost 80 percent of what it takes in is Canadian trash.” Munem notes that while many communities in Oakland County have trash and recycling collection by Rizzo – including Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, and West Bloomfield, they do not own any of their own landfills. “We've sent to landfills located outside of Oakland County; we've sent to Eagle Valley. We do things wherever to get the best price for our customers. The majority – more than 60 percent – of what we haul goes to the Detroit incinerator. “We feel the incinerator is in many ways a more 'green' solution because those burners are filtered and also generate electricity, so you're getting something out of that,” he said. “The really positive aspect of having the disposal capacity we have is plenty of time for some of the newer technologies that are being developed to manage waste,” said Horton, such as “gasification, where you have solid waste and you convert it to gas. You then have a gas product you can use as
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an energy product, and you can make other products out of it.” He said in other parts of the country, such as at a plant in Philadelphia, “it converts solid waste to solid fuel that burns at temperatures similar to coal but with a much improved footprint. We have a gas-to-liquid facility in Oklahoma – it takes landfill gas and uses a process to convert it to diesel fuel. At Eagle Valley, we have gas wells that get captured, and we sell it to General Motors, right across the street for the Orion Assembly plant, and they use it for running their plant in lieu of burning coal. The goal is to extract value from the waste stream.” “I think the challenge we face right now is that all our systems are waste-based systems, and we need to transition to a new way of thinking about and managing these materials,” said Karrin O'Brien, executive director of Michigan Recycling Coalition. “Landfills are built on large pieces of property, and those are ripe for landfill expansion, and the capacity they have to expand into more usable space that landfills already have – I've heard estimates it increases that capacity to an estimated 100 years. But it's better for our economy and our environment to get as much value out of that material as we can, versus when we have to pay to put it in the landfill, where we have to pay to monitor it, fix the problems, and if something catastrophic happens, we have to pay for that, too. Whereas we can turn it into something new, where it will become valuable again.” Repurposing the land is another goal for some waste management companies when landfills are full. According to Waste Dive, there are approximately 10,000 shuttered landfills in the U.S., and there are many creative uses for repurposing the land, from subdivisions to ski resorts, nature preserves to golf courses. Michigan's environmental laws, along with the EPA and MDEQ, require the owner of a landfill to conduct post closure care of a site for at least 30 years after they close a landfill. A golf course had been proposed, although never built, in Rochester Hills on the city's east side, to be called Avon Meadows Golf Course, for a former landfill owned by SOCCRA In a lawsuit filed by the city of Royal Oak against SOCCRA and decided in 2003, Royal Oak and other area municipalities claimed SOCCRA, which at that time had operated a solid waste landfill, decided to close it as it reached capacity and develop a nine-hole golf course on its surface. Royal Oak sued to permanently enjoin them from proceeding, arguing that they were not authorized to develop the land on top of the landfill. A Michigan law stated that a waste disposal authority like SOCCRA “may hold, manage, control, sell, exchange or lease such property.” The appeals court sided with SOCCRA, stating that “a golf course is a nationally recognized end use for completed landfills.” Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett isn't sure why the project in his city never went forward. “Usually when people talk about reusing a landfill they're talking about the Suburban Softball site,” he said, of the approximately 100 acres of land off of M-59 at the intersection of Hamlin and Adams roads that used to hold softball diamonds, and which was a former landfill. He said the property is currently owned by the Schostak Brothers & Company. “The challenge is it's a former landfill, so it will need some cleanup,” Barnett said. “We work with developers to find creative uses to bring it back into productive use. We just haven't found the right one yet.”
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Ron Teachworth xhibiting his artwork for more than half his life, Rochester Hills resident Ron Teachworth has retired from his day job and now makes his living painting and writing. “It’s extremely difficult to make a living as an artist,” said Teachworth, who worked as a teacher and administrator in Utica Community Schools for over three decades. “Because I went to film school, I had knowledge of production, so they asked me to create educational programming (for the district). I had to force myself to learn how to write to produce TV. Otherwise, I might’ve never written fiction. I might’ve just been a painter, and now I’m able to do both.” A graduate with a master’s degree in painting and film from Wayne State University, Teachworth also studied at the London Film School. In the early ‘80s, he directed his first feature-length film, ‘Going Back,’ starring Hollywood actor Bruce Campbell, who was then in his twenties. “At the time, I was teaching a high school film class, and on a grant, (Campbell) came and worked in my classroom for a while. ‘Going Back’ was his first dramatic feature,” he said. Set in Michigan, the story is about two friends who spend the summer before college on a farm making unforgettable memories. “Most of the primary photography done is Cass City. Some was shot in Rochester Hills.” The film premiered in 1984 at the film theater in the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), an iconic institution that Teachworth is currently writing about. Under the pen name Ron Scott, he’s reviewing the museum’s current exhibit, ‘30 Americans,’ for the Detroit Art Review, Teachworth’s blog for
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which he’s recently hired two additional writers. “There’s twenty reviews under the (website’s) archives.” Generally, he said, “I’ll review (the artist’s) work, and go through a list of about ten questions (in an interview).” Teachworth’s fiction writing includes ‘The Annunciation,’ a novel that won recognition this year in the religious category at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. “I definitely am a Catholic, and I practice my faith. The novel is an attempt to tell a nice story and show respect for the Catholic faith. The story is set at the (San Marco Museum),” in Florence, Italy, where Teachworth recently visited on a two-week trip to Italy. Most of his time was spent in Venice, writing about the Venice Biennale, “the oldest art exhibition in the world,” he said. “When my wife and I got married (in 1972), we decided to move to Rochester and lived in downtown,” said Teachworth, who grew up in Detroit. “Then we were able to build a house (in Rochester Hills).” Living near Winkler Mill Pond and Stoney Creek, he said, “It’s quiet. We live, you might say, in the country. I don’t have any disruptions. It’s a good place to do writing and artwork.” Influenced by classical American writers and the abstract expressionism movement, Teachworth said, part of what motivates him is his “travels, daily experience, and people I meet. It’s the nature of being a painter and writer and studying art that pushes you to keep creating new ideas, whether they be images or stories.” Story: Katie Deska
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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BAIL BONDS
CATERING TO DEFENDANTS, COURTS
BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
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ail bondsmen are people whose business it is to cater to criminal defendants, pledging money or property as bail to guarantee their return appearance in court. Often bail bondsmen and their companies can secure their temporary release in just a matter of hours, usually for a non-refundable fee of 10 percent of the bail price. It's a legal practice, and it's a legitimate part of our court system. Michigan's legislature is looking at setting up a second category of bonds to permit earlier release of some criminals and still ensure their return to court as necessary.
The bonds, called post-conviction bonds, allow a judge to tie the release of a convicted person to a monetary bond, in which special conditions could be placed, such as the requirement to pay court fees or restitution, gain employment, undergo drug testing or other special conditions tied to the bond and/or parole or probation. Those in favor of expanding the use of post-conviction bonds say they can help reduce jail populations by providing a financial incentive to those convicted of a crime to adhere to post-release conditions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; without any additional cost to taxpayers. Instead, commercial bail bondsmen provide the funds as they do in a traditional bonds situation and absorb the risk, by making sure those released from prison comply with court-mandated requirements.
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ssentially, a bond is used as a promise that a defendant will appear in court for criminal charges. The higher the risk of the person running from authorities after being released, the higher the bond is typically set. The bond amount, which is set at each individual judge's discretion, is often higher for more serious crimes in which a defendant is likely to flee or fail to appear. There are four types of bonds utilized by judges and magistrates, including a personal recognizance bond; a cash bond; a 10 percent bond; and a surety bond. A personal recognizance bond allows a defendant to be released after making a promise to return to court when required, without posting any money. Cash bonds require full bail to be paid in cash before a defendant can be released from jail. A 10 percent bond means the court will allow the defendant to pay 10 percent of the full bail amount. If the defendant doesn't pay, the court requires the remaining 90 percent to be paid. Lastly, the surety bond is a promise made by an approved bail agent, or bondsman, that the defendant will appear as required. Bail agents work as independent contractors using a surety insurance company when posting an appearance bond for defendants. The surety company charges the bail agent a fee to use its financial standing and credit as security on bonds. The bail agent then charges the defendant a fee for the service, which is typically 10 percent of the total bail amount. The agent may also require additional collateral from the defendant. In Oakland County, the Pretrial Services unit, under the county's community corrections division, has been screening the adult pretrial arrestee population for release suitability since 1987, in accordance with state law. The goal of the unit is to maximize defendant release rates at the earliest possible time after arrest, while minimizing the failure to appear and rearrest rates. In making their determinations, Pretrial Services examines employment history, educational background, length of residence, criminal history, substance abuse, mental health and other factors. Conditions of pretrial release may require defendants to participate in special monitoring services or reporting requirements. There is no cost for pretrial services, but defendants are responsible for electronic monitoring fees, counseling fees, and drug or alcohol testing. Commercial bail bondsmen, by the nature of their business, are often opposed to the use of 10 percent bonds and personal recognizance bonds. Referring to the services as "taxpayer
funded bail," Matthew Maddock of Milford, president of the Michigan Professional Bail Agents Association and owner of A1 Bail Bond, said experienced criminals take advantage of pretrial services, which he claims have a lower rate of appearance than surety bonds. Likewise, he has issues with 10 percent bonds for serious felony charges. "I would like to see them stop using this 10 percent, phony bologna on serious felons," he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was never to be used for felons. It was for first time, non-violent crimes and indigent people. Now they are using 10 percent for everything." Maddock, who has more than a quarter century of experience in the bail bonds business in Oakland County, said he believes the use of pretrial services provides some needed programs to defendants, but does little to secure their appearance. "In Detroit it's called 'the defendant screening unit,' and they are a subgroup of community corrections in Oakland County. In Houston, Texas, they are talking about putting pretrial services into the department of corrections annual budget. That's about $7 million, and the taxpayers pay for it. It really should be called taxpayer funded bail." Maddock and other bondsmen claim the percentage of defendants who appear for court and other requirements are higher amongst those utilizing a commercial bondsman because the bondsmen will lose their own money if they don't ensure the defendant follows the rules. "Our job is to guarantee appearance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's the courts job to punish," he said. "We abide by all bail conditions. Oftentimes when we bond someone out, their mom and dad co-sign, and the parents set their own conditions. If they don't meet them, mom and dad call us and say 'we want to put him back in jail.' Sometimes that's the safest place for people to be." There are about 170 registered bail bonds agents authorized to work in Oakland County, working for about 64 different bail bonds companies. Bail agents working in Oakland County must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. In addition to maintaining the stateissued license, bail agents must gain approval from each county in which they wish to provide services.
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ndrea Miller, communications manager for the state's insurance department, said bail bondsmen post surety bonds, which are insurance policies, so bail bondsmen must be licensed producers under the insurance code. As such, the department requires a license as either a limited lines property and casualty producer, or a full property and casualty with a surety and fidelity appointment. "If not licensed as a producer, the only other option is to qualify as a bail bond surety and fidelity insurance company themselves and meet net worth requirements," she said. Those requirements are not less than $4.5 million, as well as not less than $3 million in current guarantees and security with respect to bail bonds issued by the insurer in states in which it is then authorized, Miller explained. "This can be a problem where individuals are seeking to be appointed as bail bondsmen and are pledging real estate portfolios as collateral," she said. "Sometimes (they're) pledging the same portfolio in more than one county." In addition to licensing bail bondsmen, the state insurance
department conducts enforcement actions. Miller said the department can fine agents, revoke licenses, or take other actions. "We have not had any enforcement actions referred to us against bail bondsmen over the past two years," she said, "but we can take enforcement action against a producer for any behavior deemed to be fraudulent, coercive, or dishonest or which demonstrates incompetence, untrustworthiness, or financial irresponsibility in the conduct of business in this state or elsewhere." Michigan law provides a secondary form of regulation at the circuit court level, which is responsible for providing a list of authorized bail agents to each district court and county jail in its jurisdiction.
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akland County Circuit Court Administrator Kevin Oeffner said circuit court judges in each county of the state are required by law to prepare a list of authorized bail bondsmen on an annual basis. He said it's up to each individual circuit court to determine what standards will be applied to bail agents operating in each county. Further, Oakland County updates the list twice annually, while state law only requires it be updated once a year. "Our department does a criminal background report, and makes sure they are licensed and insured, and meets other requirements," Oeffner said. "The court says that if you've been convicted of a felony, you can't be on the list, but the state doesn't require that." Despite the creation of such a list, mistakes or failure to fully understand the law can result in unapproved bail agents operating where they aren't permitted. In October 2015, Saad Mehdi-Shaib Al-Asadi, 32, of Redford, was pulled over in Wolverine Lake Village on suspicion of driving on a suspended license. Police said at the time that AlAsadi was wanted on an unrelated probation violation in Wayne County, resulting in the 52-1 District Court magistrate setting a $75,000 cash or surety bond. On October 27, bail agent Joseph Szykula, of Motor City Bail Bonds, posted AlAsadi's bond; however, Szykula wasn't authorized to operate in Oakland County. After being released, Al-Asadi failed to appear for a November 4 court hearing, and was later apprehended by authorities in Wayne County. His bond in the driving while suspended charge was increased to $500,000. He was subsequently charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in connection to hundreds of prescription pills he allegedly had during the traffic stop in Wolverine Lake. He is now being held on a $2 million bond. Alexandra Black, court administrator for the 52-1 district court, confirmed that Szykula posted Al-Asadi's original bond, but she said there was no mistake on the part of the court. "We don't have to go off the list," Black said. "(Szykula) has certification and is licensed by the state, so it's legal. We prefer someone from the list. The list means they have been checked out." Szykula, while operating under the name Liberty Bail Bonds, in 2010 was fined after being convicted in 2001 of two counts of criminal contempt in Macomb County 16th Judicial Circuit Court for posting fraudulent bail bonds. Szykula also failed to
notify the state's insurance office of the conviction, as required by Michigan law. Szykula has somehow still maintained his state license, although he failed to gain approval to operate in Oakland County in 2015. Karen Koshen, with the Oakland County Circuit Court Administrator's Office, said district courts and jails by law absolutely have to adhere to the circuit court approved list. "They are the only people that can write a bond in Oakland County," Koshen said of the list of approved bond agents. "They have to be on that list." Koshen, who coordinates the bail agent authorization process for the circuit court, said she typically receives more than 200 applications from bail agents each year. The authorization process begins in October and is finalized by the circuit court judges in December. "I have about 40 that I didn't put on the list," Koshen said of the applications she received for the latest list of authorized bail agents. "There are a couple that we had questions about." Koshen said bail agents applying to operate in the county must fill out a four-page application that must be notarized. Koshen said applicants may be rejected for numerous reasons. "Some didn't notarize it or sign it, and that takes them off the list right there," she said. "Some had an expired driver's license, and all these things are in the instructions. Each agent must have power of attorney from the insurance agency that shows what the bond is that they are permitted to bond up to, and also have a certificate of insurance showing the insurance agency is licensed to do business in the state. They also need to be licensed in the state for bail bonds. Judges also have guidelines on what is acceptable." In addition to felony convictions, Koshen said the county dismisses applications from agents with some misdemeanor convictions, such as substance abuse, assault and battery, and other convictions. "They aren't eligible until at least one year after a jail sentence or being discharged from probation, and court costs are paid in full," she said. "That includes pending cases. We had one of those denied."
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ow, licensed bail bondsmen could find their responsibilities greatly expanded. Earlier in 2015, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder called for a major overhaul of the state's criminal justice system, focusing on a "smarter use" of jails and prisons. State lawmakers have begun to work on legislation to accomplish reform, with some in the bonds industry believing an expansion in the use of bonds will assist in state corrections reform through the use of conditional early release bonds, also known as post-conviction bonds. These special post-conviction bonds have become increasingly popular in Mississippi, where they have been permitted since 2007. Post-conviction bonds have also been used in South Dakota, and for a brief temporary two-year period, in Michigan. Several other states are working to limit the use of commercial bail bonds companies in favor of government managed pre-trial services departments, which have been criticized by bail bonds companies in Michigan, including Oakland County. "The purpose of the post-conviction bond was to provide a method for the courts to have a judge be able to release someone and still have the financial security of a bond, so that
if they fail to do whatever they are supposed to do, the bonding company can assure they appear in court," said Jackson County bondsman Jeff Kirkpatrick, who assisted in drafting legislation that allowed for the bonds to be used in Michigan. Traditionally, if a person released from jail fails to meet the requirements of their probation, such as a person convicted of a drunken driving charge being required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the court's probation department issues a warrant for that person. "That warrant gets entered into the law enforcement information network, and it sits there until one day they get stopped and a police officer runs their name and sees they have a warrant. There isn't enough staff to go out and pick up these people," Kirkpatrick said. "So, this was a very easy way to transfer the responsibility from the taxpayer to the private person to produce a person for court, which is what we do, and we do a very good job at that. It's our job to get them before the judge, and it gave them another tool to use." Kirkpatrick, an active bondsman and vice president of a Michigan-based insurance company that insures bail bondsmen nationally, was able to get language approving the post-release bonds entered into the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) budget, which permitted the use of the special bonds for a year. The language was also approved in the 2010 budget, permitting the bonds through 2011. Kirkpatrick said he was also responsible for the Michigan law that allows for GPS devices to be used for tracking defendants. Under the previous Michigan law, post-conviction bonds were permitted as a condition of probation, community control, payment plan for the payment of a fine or restitution, or any other court ordered supervision. The law also allowed any court to order the posting of a bond to secure a defendant's appearance at any court proceeding. While these bonds were permitted for two years, Kirkpatrick said they didn't catch on with many courts as scant information was made available to the courts. Because of this failure, Kirkpatrick said there wasn't a later push to pursue a permanent law. However, times have changed. "We have had discussions about revisiting that," Kirkpatrick said. "As you know, the legislature is looking at sentencing reform. We think there is a place for this concept in the criminal justice system." In May 2015, Gov. Snyder issued a special message to the legislature calling for reform in the criminal justice system, and said in his comments, it's unwise to send an individual to jail or prison when alternative sentences are available. Among the reforms he called upon the legislature to address are sentencing, probation and parole and pretrial reform.
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ccording to the governor's statement, about 60 percent of all people housed in local county jails are awaiting trial and haven't yet been convicted of a crime. Those being held may not pose a serious risk of flight or public safety. "As they sit in jail awaiting trail, they risk losing their jobs, their homes and even their veteran's benefits," Snyder said. "It's costly for the counties to house people in jail, and its costly for those individuals. There are steps we can take to identify those who don't need to be held in custody, saving money and achieving better results."
The state's bond association is now working to introduce legislation that would allow the state's parole board to utilize the special bonds. In Mississippi, where post-conviction bonds have had a place in the criminal justice system since 2007, bail agent Gene Newman said pitching the special bonds to the court system has increased their use. The bonds, he said, are used primarily for "blue warrants," or misdemeanor violations of parole or probation. In crafting Mississippi's legislation, Newman, who worked to get the state's legislation passed, said the state's bail bonds association worked with state courts, the attorney general's office and the department of corrections. He said they are now working with the state's parole board to expand the use of the bonds. The greatest pushback, he said of the bonds, typically comes from the corrections departments. "Even when they can use this, they don't because they don't understand it," he said. "They think we are coming in and trying to take their jobs. We are just trying to help. I think that's the big thing. The objective is making people finish their sentence without incarceration."
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ewman said many post-conviction bond cases involve requirements on employment. The bonds, he said, are particularly effective because it's often those closest to the defendants who help come up with the money to posting for bonds, thus giving them a vested interest in the defendant's success. "We are going out and getting family and friends, and giving financial handcuffs on them to go back to court," he said. "Under this system, they could be called for a hearing and we would have to produce the defendant. It holds them accountable by having their family involved. If they are liable for him to do what he has to, they are much more likely to be involved." Michigan state Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge ), who represents mid-Michigan's 24th Senate district and serves as chair of the Senate's judiciary committee, said post-conviction bond legislation has come up in the past couple years, but has been met with some opposition. "There are a lot of objections, and I object if it's something that they are going to prison on," Jones said of conditional potential early release legislation. "I could care less if it's a 30day jail sentence, but if we are talking about someone going to prison, the likelihood of them running is high." Back in Oakland County, A1 Bail Bonds owner Maddock said he would like to see the expansion of post-conviction bonds in Michigan. "The foundation in the state statute exists for postconviction bond,â&#x20AC;? Maddock said. "Sometimes its called a probation bond. Typically, it's to guarantee the appearance or certain actions after conviction, like to guarantee drug testing or appearance at a probation hearing. There are some states that use it. It should be used." Attempts to further regulate the commercial bail bonds industry in Michigan has gained little steam. The last attempt to introduce major regulations was done in 2009 by state Senator Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park). Johnson, a state representative at the time, introduced two bills that would have created new licensing regulations for bail bond agents, bail
Savings bond runners and fugitive recovery agents, or bounty hunters. bill, which failed to be voted out of committee at the time, A D The V E R T I S I N G M A G A Z I N E would have required special licenses and training for agents, including classroom and field instruction. Oakland County Circuit Court administrator Oeffner said the latest push at the state level has come from the state's court administrators to centralize the local approval process. With 57 different circuit courts operating in the state, he said some court administrators are requesting the Michigan Supreme Court to be responsible for administering the list. "You've got bail bonds businesses working throughout the state, and there are different requirements from one county to another," he said. "One county has different requirements, and another may have no such requirement. The thought is to have consistent requirements and a central application location process."
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akland County Sheriff's Office Major Charles Snarey, with the department's corrections and court services unit, said judges already specify the conditions of release defendants are required to meet. Failure to do so, he said, results in violating the court's order, which can result in the defendant being returned to jail. He said the department's main concern with postconviction bonds would be that a person doesn't flee or commit another crime. If a defendant fails to appear for a court appearance or violates terms of his or her bond, the bail agent is able to return the defendant to the criminal justice system. Failure to return the defendant can result in the bail bonds agent being liable to the court for the full bond amount. That's a powerful incentive to find the defendant and bring them to court. While television shows like "Dog The Bounty Hunter" and many movies portray bail agents breaking down doors to return defendants to court, Maddock said about 80 percent of the job of a bail bondsman is actually spent behind a desk. And while bail agents are permitted by law to enter a home where a fugitive is believed to be occupying, he said agents must proceed with caution when tracking down defendants. "We can go into someone's home, but there's a tremendous responsibility and liability. You have to know what you're doing," he said. "If you go after the wrong person, you have a problem. Nobody is perfect, but most of our recovery people are trained law enforcement people. I'm not going to risk my livelihood by hiring some idiot." Yet it can happen, although it is rare. Apprehending the wrong person was exactly what happened to a White Lake Township man who filed suit against Detroit-based You Walk Bail Bonds in January of 2015. In the case against the business, Justin Matteson claimed recovery agents arrested him at his home and accused him of multiple crimes, including possession of drugs, failure to appear in court and absconding. Agents held Matteson in his home in front of his wife and two-year-old child for nearly an hour, until they realized they had the wrong person and released him. Despite instances such as the Matteson case, Oakland County Sheriff's Office Major Snarey said the department has very few problems involving bail bonds agents. "Most of the bondsmen we deal with have been established for quite some time. They know our procedure and the court procedures, and we have very little problems," he said. "Occasionally, there is some paperwork that doesn't look copacetic to us, and we question it and verify. Usually, we get it worked out within minutes. By-and-large, we don't have problems."
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John “JD” Deierlein or Avon Players singer, director, and president, John “JD” Deierlein, his earliest memories involve singing, an art he continues to refine into his 49th year. A life-long Michigan resident, Deierlein grew up in Rochester Hills attending Rochester Community Schools and participating in any theaterrelated activity. “I was a member of Avon Players Youth Theater as a child,” he said. “I started back in ’79, and after my youth theater days, I got involved as an adult member around 1990.” Before becoming president of the non-profit organization, which was founded in 1947, Deierlein was a director for the youth theater and vice president of production. “What’s interesting about community theater is that, by its nature, it's all volunteer, so everybody has to wear multiple hats. We’re drawn to it because we have a passion for performing.” Deierlein’s day job is teaching music and theater at Abbott Middle School in West Bloomfield, where he’s been an influential presence on budding stars. “I take a group of students every other year to New York, to expose the younger generation to Broadway theater and show them how that could be a potential career. I think it’s important for people in the arts to pass it on to the next generation,” he said. “We’re lucky, here in Rochester, that we have a real thriving arts program for our young people.” The knack for performance runs in the Deierlein family. His father sings and, in the ‘60s and ‘70s, played guitar and banjo. “I have memories of being a child, falling asleep, and my father would be singing and playing in the living room with friends. He was into Pete Seeger and
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Arlo Guthrie.” For years, Deierlein’s mother, Peggy, was involved with comedy, and is an active member of Avon Players today, as a producer and props designer. “I’m originally a singer, at my core, and I still appear as a singer at Avon, but my secondary interest at college was stage managing. I got into that at Avon, and trained some other stage managers here.” Last season Deierlein directed ‘Next to Normal,’ the Pulitzer prizewinning script and rock musical about a mother who struggles with bipolar disorder. “It was probably one of my favorites,” he said. “Most recently I directed 'Parade,' by Jason Robert Brown. They were excellent productions. Difficult shows for singers, but when I direct, because of my background, I train the singers too, and I was very proud of what the final product was. We had some amazing people on cast.” Deierlein, who studied vocal arts at Michigan State University and earned his master’s degree in theater at Eastern Michigan University, turned down a few professional job offers in favor of growing deeper roots in Rochester Hills. “There’s a lot of us in the community that had a passion for theater, and studied music and acting, but made life choices that kept us here, in our hometown. We love to do it, but decided not to pursue it professionally – doing that is a tough road. There’s a tremendous amount of talent at Avon Players,” he said. “We have had alumni go on from Avon Players and do Broadway shows.” Story: Katie Deska
Photo: Jean Lannen
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One of three candidates, James ‘Jim’ Kubicina, was sworn into Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, December 14, filling the District 2 vacancy left by Adam Kochenderfer, who was recently selected for a vacant position on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Kubicina, who has been a resident of Rochester Hills for 27 years, is currently chairman of the city’s deer management advisory committee and has been a member since 2009 when the committee was founded. In the 2009 city council race, Kubicina lost by under 200 votes to Ravi Yalamanchi. Outside of public service, Kubicina works at Delphi Corporation as a senior engineer. He holds a master’s degree in science from Kettering University, located in Flint. “I want to work with the city administration to attract new businesses and industry to our city,” Kubicina stated on his application to council. “I want to attract more companies like Magna Corporation. My 30-plus years (of) operations experience in the auto industry could be helpful in the early dialogue with these types of companies. These companies will provide added tax revenue and jobs for our community. With added jobs, homes will continue selling in our wonderful city.” The decision was made after council went through a multi-step process, beginning with each member making a recommendation of Kubicina, Thomas Blackstone, or Jennifer Kincer Catallo. Kubicina received three of the six council members nominations. Blackstone, a former Detroit police detective/sergeant and an investigator for Farmers Insurance, received two nominations. Kincer Catallo, an Oakland University faculty member, received one nomination. As Kubicina received the highest number of nominations, a vote was taken, resulting in four council members voting in favor of Kubicina, with two opposed. Finally, a motion was made to nominate Kubicina to council, and the motion passed unanimously. “I preferred Tom Blackstone; however, when the vote was in favor of Mr. Kubicina, I was supportive of
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him as well,” said Dale Hetrick, council member at-large. “I’ve known him through his tenure in the community and he’s a great selection.” Kubicina’s term became effective immediately, and lasts approximately two years, expiring on November 19, 2017. “I have a lot of respect for the current administration and city council. They deserve a lot of credit for Rochester Hills being named one of the 10 best places to live,” Kubicina stated. “I want to help them continue down this path of balanced budgets while maintaining superior police and fire protection, road maintenance, parks and forest maintenance and development.”
Kochenderfer new county commissioner Rochester Hills city council member Adam Kochenderfer was appointed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, December 2, to fill a vacant seat for District 15 representing Rochester and Rochester Hills. The vacancy was created by former commissioner Jeffrey Matis, who was appointed on October 20 by Gov. Rick Snyder to sit on the bench of the Sixth Circuit Court in Oakland County. The Rochester Hills city charter disallows a resident to simultaneously hold a seat on city council and the board of commissioners. To replace Kochenderfer, the council will take applications, vote and appoint a new council member. Kochenderfer was re-elected to city council on November 3, as was councilmember Kim Russell, of Rochester, who also applied for the commissioner seat. Kochenderfer was selected over two additional candidates, Linda Glisman, a congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop, and Mark Avery, who formerly campaigned for state representative. The board of commissioners consists of 21 elected commissioners, who serve two-year terms, are paid a salary of $33,782 a year, and receive benefits. District 15 serves Rochester and a good portion of Rochester Hills. Kochenderfer was appointed to serve the remainder of Matis’ term, which ends December 31, 2016. 01.16
248-652-7700 129 E. UNIVERSITY DR ROCHESTER, MI 48307
Council votes on mayor, pro tem spots Rochester City Council voted on Tuesday, November 24, to elect Cathy Daldin for mayor and Kim Russell for mayor pro tem; both positions became effective immediately. On a motion made by former mayor Jeffrey Cuthbertson, Cathy Daldin was voted in on a 6-1 vote, with council’s newest member, Ann Peterson, dissenting. Kim Russell got the position of mayor pro tem on a vote of 4-3, with Stuart Bikson, Ann Peterson and Rob Ray dissenting. “I want to thank you for this honor,” said Daldin when she took the center seat at the council bench. “I will continue to work hard as mayor and do my best job.” The positions are for one year, expiring next November.
Members sought for brownfield authority By Katie Deska
Qualified candidates will soon be encouraged to apply for one of five seats on the newly-created Rochester Brownfield Authority redevelopment board, as the city anticipates the possibility of redevelopment of properties. Brownfield sites include properties that are “contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, and can include historic properties,” according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Regardless of the classification, all brownfield properties face economic impediments to reuse and redevelopment.” Currently, the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is acting in the capacity of a brownfield board. “We have not had activity in this town,” said economic and development director Nik Banda, “but there’s a strong possibility we will have one or more applications for redevelopment. It’s very important to have a solid board. We have 11 people currently, and it’s too unwieldy. We want it more like five (members).” At the city council meeting on Monday, December 14, Banda requested that council members approve a motion to direct city staff to seek applications. The motion passed unanimously. downtownpublications.com
In Banda’s memo to city manager Blaine Wing, he stated Rochester should “seek candidates with related experience either in development, finance, environmental background or a legal background. While some of the DDA members possess these qualities, we should have them apply through the boards and commission application process.” The Michigan Strategic Fund has the ability to award redevelopment incentives through the brownfield tax increment financing program, which according to the MEDC, “allows a local governmental unit to continue to receive the existing taxes on the property, capture the increased tax revenue resulting from a redevelopment project, and use that incremental tax capture to reimburse the developer to help offset the costs of environmental and nonenvironmental eligible activities.” The Michigan legislature passed the Brownfield Redevelopment Act, PA 381, in 1996, enabling municipalities to develop a brownfield redevelopment authority to implement brownfield projects.
Winter tax bills sent out for second time The city of Rochester is in the process of reissuing winter tax bills to residents and business owners after initially sending out bills that incorrectly reflected summer tax information. Taxpayers are being instructed to disregard their initial bill and look for the correct bill in the mail, which has a yellow insert that states ‘revised tax bill.’ “I think the printer is trying to get them to the post office before the end of this week,” said Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing in early December “I don’t know if there will be an extension of the (payment) deadline because it’s still over 30 days to pay the bill.” The error was on behalf of the city’s finance department and occurred in the transmission of tax information. “Basically, you have a summer file (that was) uploaded instead of a winter file being uploaded,” said Wing. “My understanding is that the winter (bill) is typically lower than the summer one, so the corrected tax bill will typically be lower.” Those with questions, or who want to find out what they owe, can call city hall at 248.651.9061.
Serving the Greater Rochester Area Since 1975 OXFORD TOWNSHIP Outstanding custom brick ranch in the premier Lakes of Indianwood! 4-bdrms & 3.5 baths; top grade workmanship & finishes throughout; fantastic open floor plan; overlooks gorgeous nature preserve & pond. Highlights include 2 fireplaces, amazing finished lower level walkout w/10 ft. ceilings, custom oak pub, media room, hot tub & sauna. 3-car garage. Too many amenities to list - this home has it all! $649,900 (1341 D.P.T.)
ROCHESTER HILLS Move in and enjoy! This beautiful 5 bdrm, 4.5 bath home is loaded with updates including: circular cement driveway, new windows, doors/door walls, garage door, carpet, completely new finished daylight lower level, new furnace, A/C; professionally painted inside & out, new sod & landscaping. Great corner lot in cul-de-sac location! $424,900 (1990 I.D.)
FARMINGTON HILLS This classy custom built home is located on a lovely cul-de-sac, offering 4 bdrms & 2.2 baths; premium elevation; extensive custom features such as Jenn Air appliances, Avonite solid countertops, maple wood floors, recessed lighting throughout, 2 fireplaces, finished daylight lower level with kitchen/bar/dining area and so much more. A great opportunity! $422,000 (37673 M.C.)
SHELBY TOWNSHIP Beautiful, serene lakefront home on desirable Watkins Lake! 4 large bdrms & 3.5 baths; FR w/fireplace; den w/judges paneling; finished lower level walkout; 3-car side entry garage; natural gas whole house generator. Enjoy the spectacular views of the lake & vibrant sunsets from the great room, kitchen, dining room & spacious deck w/Marygrove awning. Convenient to shopping, restaurants & award winning schools. $349,900 (46427 H.D.)
SHELBY TOWNSHIP This beautiful 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath home is situated on a rolling hillside in the elegant Seven Oaks Sub. The home has been remodeled & includes new stainless steel kitchen appliances; a newly refurbished deck; newer roof & windows; custom finished lower level walkout; custom draperies throughout and much more. 3 car garage. Very well maintained. An absolute must see home! $349,900 (52674 S.O.D.)
ROCHESTER HILLS Shows like a new model! Gorgeous 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath colonial with full daylight lower level; newer roof & siding; new carpeting and hardwood flooring; new half bath; new front windows; built-in speakers and many more features that are sure to please! Convenient to restaurants, shopping, golf courses and parks. Simply a great place to call home. $345,000 (3627 J.)
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www.sakmar.com | info@sakmar.com 39
Inter-local service agreement okayed
Marijuana grow operation proposed By Katie Deska
By Katie Deska
Rochester Hills has over 10 interlocal service agreements, and the city agreed to enter into another one with Washington Township in Macomb County, to provide maintenance services to the township’s public works fleet of vehicles. The inter-local service agreement with Washington Township was approved unanimously by Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, December 7. Rochester Hills said on its website, “it works with many other groups in finding the best way to provide its residents in services, and improve their quality of life.” They also have inter-local agreements with Oakland University, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, Rochester Community Schools, the cities of Rochester, Troy, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, Auburn Hills and Oakland Township. In Auburn Hills, the city also provides vehicle and fleet service maintenance. They share building services with Sterling Heights; assist each other in plan review and inspection services with Shelby Township; and with Rochester, in addition to water meter testing, they are working on an interlocal service agreement that would incorporate all service areas of the department of public service. Currently, Rochester Hills also has an agreement with Washington Township’s road commission to service the township’s vehicles. “We’re servicing some vehicles, which is like a gateway drug to more collaboration,” said mayor Bryan Barnett. “We realize that Washington Township may have a piece of equipment that we don’t have, but need.” “It’s not costing us any more to turn the lights on, and it has helped with relationships. It provides a valuable revenue stream. The communities choose us because it makes financial sense,” Barnett said.
Woodland Park condo plan recommended The Rochester Hills Planning Commission recommended that city council approve the preliminary condominium plan for Woodland Park, 40
public hearing regarding a medical marijuana grow operation, proposed by Mark Finley of Xavier Labs, LLC, is scheduled for a February Rochester Planning Commission meeting. Finley, a medical marijuana caregiver who has applied for a medical marijuana caregiver license, stood before the Rochester Planning Commission on Monday, December 7, answering preliminary questions regarding his site plan and special exception application for 361 South Street, east of Diversion Street. The proposed location complies with the city’s ordinance in that its at least 500 feet away from schools, parks and childcare facilities, and is within an area zoned as an industrial district. In December 2014, Rochester passed a city ordinance that sets regulations for grow operations, which differ from dispensaries, in that grow operations are not open to the public. The city ordinance states the maximum number of plants allowed is 72, which is how many Finley hopes to cultivate. Under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008, caregivers can legally cultivate 12 plants for each patient the caregiver is registered to provide for. “Mark (Finley) and his wife, they are not users. They have a partner down the street who lives in Rochester, and his dad was dying of cancer, and he got medical marijuana,” said economic development director Nik Banda. “They’re not going to make money on 72 plants. They’re trying to make a statement. They see a need, and it's legal according to the state.” The space Finley plans to use for the grow operation is 320 square feet upstairs from a 2,000-square foot space, within a multi-tenant building, that he currently leases for his other business. “I had a friend who had PTSD really bad, a close friend, and this is what has pulled him through,” said Finley. “He served his country and now this is the only thing pulling him through. I’m 100 percent for it. I’m doing it because I have a very strong opinion, and I want to follow through with doing what I believe. There’s no way I’m going to break even financially. I believe in what I’m doing – that’s why I’m going through the motion of getting the license. I’ll probably be $10,000 into it when all is said and done, just for the license.” Finley is a successful craftsman and businessman who makes and sells wooden birdhouses, house numbers and other items, said Banda. Special exception permits do not go before city council. Still, Banda said, “he will need sign-offs from a lot of people,” if the planning commission were to approve the special exception. “It’s exactly the same as getting a liquor license, you go through vetting process” for a medical marijuana grow operation license issued from the city.
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Par Pharmaceuticals expansion approved Par Pharmaceuticals was approved by the Rochester Planning Commission on Monday, December 7, to move forward with a $55 million project to renovate an existing building and build a utility building for a new aseptic manufacturing unit. The new Rochester facility, a 2,500 square foot building, will be located at 870 Parkdale Road, just north of Bloomer Park. “You can’t tell from outside, but they’re doing a new line of sterile injectables, I think,” said economic development director Nik Banda. “It’s great for the tax base. Fifty-five million dollars is the value of the project then, and the (tax) assessors will make their assessments. It’s another commitment of Par to Rochester, through an economic investment. They’re our largest employer, and they keep adding jobs.” Par Pharmaceutical Holdings Inc., also known as Par Sterile Products, was acquired in September by Endo International, a global specialty pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Dublin and Pennsylvania. “The combination creates a leading specialty pharmaceutical company with a strategically expanded generics business that is a top five industry leader,” the company website states. “The acquisition also creates benefits to patients and customers and drives shareholder value.”
Tisdel sworn in as council president By Katie Deska
a proposed 48-unit, single-family detached condominium development composed of various sized lots. The preliminary plan, which is conceptual, was before the planning commission on Tuesday, December 15. Joe Skore, of Bloomfield Hillsbased Pulte Land Company, Inc., proposed the development for a 23.6acre site which sits south of Hamlin Road and west of Livernois. Sara Roediger, planning manager for the city, said staff has worked with the applicant over the last few months, and noted that the matter will be on the city council agenda sometime in January. The planning commission voted 8-
0, with commissioner Julie Granthen absent, to grant a tree removal permit. Of the 261 trees on site that are regulated under the city’s tree conservation ordinance, 142 trees would have to be removed if the project is approved and goes forward. Skore proposed to replace 57 trees on the site, and pay into the city’s tree fund $200 for each of the remaining 85 removed trees. On site, 119 trees would be saved, for a preservation rate of 45 percent. The commission also granted a natural features setback modification, by a vote of 8-0, and recommended to the city council approval of a wetland use permit.
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Rochester Hills City Council elected Mark Tisdel as council president, and voted in Stephanie Morita as vice president, at their meeting on Monday, December 7. Both votes were 6-0, with the seventh council seat vacant due to the departure of Adam Kochenderfer, who was sworn in to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on that night, as well. Tisdel, a council member at-large since November 2011, was formerly council vice president under thencouncil president Greg Hooper, whose term expired this fall. Tisdel has worked for Backus Payne in the insurance business for over 15 years, 01.16
and is vice president of Lancet Indemnity RRG, a federallychartered risk retention group. Morita was elected to council in November 2013, and represents District One. She’s been active on the Rochester Hills Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. An attorney with Johnson, Rosati, Schultz, and Joppich, P.C. in Farmington Hills, Morita specializes in property tax and valuation. Since 2013, she has served as treasurer for the State Bar of Michigan Appellate Practice Section Council.
Irrigation meters may cut water costs Rochester residents who heavily irrigate their lawns have the option of installing an irrigation water meter, which will “quantify the amount of water going to irrigation and deduct that amount from the sewer costs,” according to information recently released by the city’s department
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of public works (DPW). Residents are encouraged to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether installing the meter will benefit them financially in the long run. For a resident, the irrigation meter are designed to reduce wastewater bills, and according to the city, exclusively determines the quantity of water that’s being used outdoors for watering and irrigation. So far, “Forty people have requested to have their bill looked at to see if they’d benefit from the meter,” said deputy city clerk Megan Frazho. The cost of the irrigation meter itself is $330. An $80 fee for obtaining the permit and installing the meter was approved unanimously by city council on Tuesday, November 24. The first reading of the ordinance amendment, to allow water irrigation meters at singlefamily residences, took place at the November 24 council meeting, as well. A second reading and
public hearing occurred at a city council meeting in December. The ordinance amendment would change the city’s ordinance regarding water meters, which currently prohibits single-family residential use of the meter. “We have 30 meters on hand,” said DPW director David Anason. “In the time frame a resident needs to get the house ready for the meter, that would allow enough time (to order more).” When a resident purchases the permit from the city, the resident will receive a template, which is a one-inch pipe, that a plumber hired by the resident will install in accordance to the city-provided irrigation meter plumbing diagram, said Carrie Martin, administrative assistant for the DPW. Once the city inspects the plumbing, the resident calls the DPW for the meter to be installed. Nik Banda, deputy city manager, said, “This is as simple as getting a new hot water heater. It sounds complicated but it’s really easy.”
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KEEP IT Downtown. The only publication of its kind in Rochester/Rochester Hills. Quality editorial environment. Join the local leaders in our February issue. Ad deadline Friday, January 22. Contact Mark Grablowski. (O) 248.792.6464 (C) 586.549.4424
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FACES Michael Dwyer ravel writer and former radio broadcaster Michael Dwyer, 48, is one of the few who is lucky enough to make his living taking adventures to places such as Costa Rica and Ireland. Dwyer was a couple years out of high school when he took his first backpacking trip to Europe. “I knew I wanted to see more of the word. Not as a family vacation or as a tourist,” he said, “but as a traveller. Not on a cruise ship, and not with a tour company, but staying in budget locations, eating where locals eat and experiencing the culture while seeing the destination.” Dwyer stumbled into radio broadcasting after he offered to DJ a holiday shift at a radio station. “My brother, who has a degree in audio/visual, was filling in for the morning show host, and he invited me down to see how it works. That’s when they were short-handed, and no one wanted to work the holidays, so I said I could do it,” Dwyer recalled. “The manager was nervous, but after the first night, she hired me.” That was motivation enough to push Dwyer, who lives in Rochester Hills, into finishing his business communications degree at Rochester College. “I was in retail when the radio hired me, but I discovered that I had a talent and a voice for radio.” Soon, Dwyer was the host of a new program for a Walled Lake station, called Travel and Adventure Radio. It ran for seven years between two different stations, and earned him an award in 2002 and 2004 for ‘best travel broadcast,’ from the North American Travel Journalists Association. “During that time I would do press trips to different destinations, and would meet a lot of travel writers writing for newspapers and magazines. They said I should write, and I said ‘I’m on the radio, I don’t have to!’” Yet, in time, he did. After the radio program closed, Dwyer took his passion for travel from the airwaves to the page when he was hired to write ‘Destinations,’ a column for the now-defunct Suburban Lifestyles. Readers voted Dwyer’s work ‘favorite overall column’ in 2006. He’s also penned columns on travel and local attractions for TravelWorld Magazine, Macomb Observer, Oakland Observer, and American Road Magazine. Currently, Dwyer works as a freelancer, and his stories can be found regularly in the Community Edge, Rochester Media’s free online news publication. “When I started writing for Community Edge they said, ‘I want to bring you on board, but I’m not sure about the travel, because we are hyper-local.’” He didn’t see a disconnect. “Take the Arts and Apples festival. Is that a travel article? That’s a local lifestyle piece, but if someone from Wisconsin wrote about it in their paper, it’s the same story, just a different audience. Travel and local lifestyle writing are kind of the same thing.” In 2008, Dwyer founded Rochester Writers, which hosts writing contests, the Rochester Writers’ Conference, and a monthly group called Freelance Marketplace Writers’ Group, dedicated to helping writers navigate the business end of the craft. “It’s a non-critique group,” he said. “We don’t care what you write – we want to know what you’re doing to sell it.”
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Story: Katie Deska
Photo: Laurie Tennent
The Last Sonatas
Sir András Schiff,
Among current piano titans, Sir András Schiff is the Zen m a s t e r. H e i s b o t h u t t e r l y relaxed and absolutely a w a ke ; t a ke n t o g e t h e r, those qualities add up to an unbreakable focus. He is tireless and seemingly infallible, and his playing i s w i n d o w - c l e a r. L i s t e n i n g to Schiff play is like looking into a running stream and seeing all the colorful, round p e b b l e s b e n e a t h t h e w a t e r.
PIANO
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
PROGRAM (TUE 2/16: RACKHAM AUDITORIUM)
Haydn Haydn Bee thoven Beethoven M ozart Mozart Schubert
No. Major, Hob. Hob. XVI:50 Sonata N o. 60 in C Major, No. Major, Op. Op. 109 Sonata N o. 30 in E Major, No. Major, K. 545 Sonata N o. 16 in C Major, Sonata in c minor minor,, D. D. 958
PROGRAM (THU 2/18: RACKHAM AUDITORIUM)
Mozart M ozart Beethoven Bee thoven Haydn Haydn Schubert
No. o. 17 in B-flat Major, Major, K. 570 Sonata N No. o. 31 in A-flat A-flat Major, Major, Op. Op. 110 Sonata N No. o. 61 in D Major, Major, H Hob. ob. XVI:51 Sonata N Sonata in A M Major, D.. 959 ajor, D
PROGRAM (SA AT T 2/20: HILL AUDITORIUM)
Haydn H aydn Beethoven Bee thoven Mozart Mozart Schubert
Sonata No. Major, Hob. E-flat M ajor, H ob. XVI:52 No. 62 in E-flat Sonata No. minor,, Op. Op. 111 No. 32 in c minor Sonata No. Major, ajor, K. 576 No. 18 in D M Sonata in B-flat M Major, D.. 960 ajor, D
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PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Rochester area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.
Rochester/Rochester Hills 112 Pizzeria Bistro: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2528 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6164. 2941 Street Food: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 87 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4583. Alex’s of Rochester: Italian, Greek, & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.2288. Antoniou’s Pizza: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 918 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.650.2200. Avery’s Tavern: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2086 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.270.4030. B Spot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001. Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841. Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.218.5114. Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1411. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.601.7777. Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.3300. Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999. Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.293.0665. Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450. Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.5281. Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047. Chomp Deli & Grille: American.
downtownpublications.com
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 888.342.2497. CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3260 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.293.2800. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. Clubhouse BFD (Beer-Food-Drink): American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6093. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1418 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.266.6226. Downtown Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 606 N. Main, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.6680. East Side Mario’s: Italian. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2273 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.853.9622. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.606.4519. Famous Dave’s: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2945 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.852.6200. Firehouse Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1480 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.9200. Also 3044 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.7827. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483. Ganbei Chinese Restaurant & Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6687. Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Italian. 117 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.2882. Gold Star Family Restaurant: American & Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 650 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.652.2478. Golden Eagle: American. Lunch, Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1447 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.6606 Grand Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 12 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.1350. Half Day Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3134 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.1330. Hamlin Pub: American. Breakfast, Sundays. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1988 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.7700. Hibachi House Bar & Grill: Japanese Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 335 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6055 Honey Tree Grille: Mediterranean. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2949 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.237.0200. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 W. University Drive, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3527. Johnny Black Public House: American.
SERVING DINNER 6 DAYS, BRUNCH ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY. PRIVATE EVENT SPACE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES
The Meeting House is a neighborhood restaurant focusing on seasonal cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with warm, thoughtful service and genuine hospitality. Featuring craft cocktails, MI craft beer, and an approachable wine list. ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE.
301 South Main Street Rochester 48307
DOWNTOWN
248-759-4825
www.themeetinghouserochester.com Follow Us On Facebook
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 C: 586.549.4424 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com
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Chef Stand Harvest Series Chef Paul will source local Ingredients and present 4 courses with two wine paired courses for $50.00. Chef Paul will take this welcomed opportunity to display local ingredients with his classic methods for a wonderful experience. Each week will feature a new menu. 6:00pm & 8:00pm seatings Friday & Saturday evenings. Please call 248-220-4237 for your reservation.
34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham
248.220.4237 thestandbistro.com th hestandbistro.com m
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Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4479. Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.844.8900. King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333. Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.0089. Kruse & Muer In the Village: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651. Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.656.9002. Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9862. Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707. Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8441. Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066. Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234. Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 122 N. Adams Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.375.1535. 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.
DOWNTOWN
Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960. Outback Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations, eight or more. Liquor. 1880 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.650.2521. Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4205. Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880. Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.5722. Also 2508 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.7430. Park 600 Bar & Kitchen: American. Weekend Brunch. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.2600. Paul’s on Main: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 630 N. Main Sreet., Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0066. Pei Wei: Asian Fusion. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1206 E. Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.1380. Penn Station East Coast Subs: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 146. S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.4663. Penny Black Grill & Tap: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 124 W. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1522. Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890. Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668. Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900. Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 304 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.4545. Red Lobster: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2825 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.8090. Red Olive: Mediterranean & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1194 Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0300. Rochester Bistro: American-Continental. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.923.2724. Rochester Brunch House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 301 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1600. Rochester Chop House: Steakhouse & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Rochester Diner & Grill: American, Greek & Italian. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 1416 E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill, 48309. 248.652.6737. Rochester Mills Beer Co.: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Water Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.650.5080. Rochester Tap Room: American. Lunch &
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Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.650.2500. Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.9300. Sakura Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.608.3867. Shish Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 165 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5464. Shogun: Japanese. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 173 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5386. Silver Spoon Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.652.4500. Soho: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2943 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.289.1179. Sumo Sushi & Seafood: Japanese & Korean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 24 hours in advance. Liquor. 418 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.0104. Tapper’s Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 877 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.1983. Tim Hortons: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 940 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.8292. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. 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, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424.
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Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.817.2980. Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.
Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Arthur Avenue: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0768. Au Cochon: French. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.7795. 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. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. 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 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine:
Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400 Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. Ironwood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 6 or more. Liquor. 290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.385.0506. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.
DOWNTOWN
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. 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.
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FRONT/BACK Front/Back is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening in both the front of the house and back of the house in the restaurants in the metro Detroit area.
Sidecar sliders Gourmet sliders are coming soon to Birmingham, at Sidecar, 280 E. Merrill Street. A new concept owned by Dan Linnen, of ROJO Mexican Bistro, Sidecar will share a kitchen and liquor license with the familyfriendly Mexican restaurant. Operating partner Steve Simon said Chef Andy Stevens, “Has travelled around different states to get recipes. It’s all a la carte, you create your own meal.” The menu will have a handful of Angus beef sliders, including the breakfast slider and poutine slider. “We’ll have specialty sliders everyday. We’re launching with the Ahi Tuna Sliders.” Another seafood choice is the oyster slider, “fried and topped with pickles and chipotle sauce,” said Simon. The brioche buns are made by Birmingham-based Great Harvest Bread Company, and include the cornbread bun, threecheese bun, and spinach and feta bun, among others. Stevens has been executive chef at ROJO since its opening in December 2013. When he moves to Sidecar, ROJO’s sous chef Gary Blessman will take the reins.
Homemade Italian Strada, Italian for “street,” is the latest restaurant to hit Royal Oak, at 376 N. Main Street, in the North Main Lofts. Executive chef Rachel Spaccarotelli, formerly of Bella Piatti and Tallulah, serves up handmade pasta, pizza, and small plate Italian dishes. A project of TYJ Hospitality, owned by the Mancini and DeAngelis families, Strada is “a good place to celebrate your birthday, go for date night, or have a really good glass of wine,” said general manager Erikah Powers. TYJ also owns and operates Hamlin Corner, adjacent to Strada, Pronto!, and Primo’s Pizza. “We have comfort, classic dishes with a chic décor,” said Powers, who noted that Spaccarotelli’s favorite pasta dish is the Parpadelle, made with fennel sausage.
Townhouse changes Brennan Calnin, who opened Jeremy Sasson’s Townhouse Detroit six months ago at 500 Woodward Avenue in Detroit, has left his post as executive chef. Filling the vacancy is Townhouse Birmingham’s chef Michael Barrera, who now oversees both locations. “Chef Barrera will be
taking over as corporate executive chef of Townhouse, serving as head chef of both locations. At this time, there are no plans to bring on another chef to serve under Chef Barrera,” said Lauren Kramer, a representative of the restaurant.
BBQ expansion Owner Drew Ciora opened a second location of Lockhart’s BBQ at 37 E. Flint Street in Lake Orion, five years after he opened the popular Royal Oak restaurant. “We’re the only barbecue place in Michigan that uses 100 percent wood to heat and to smoke all of our smoked meats,” Ciora said. Named after the beloved barbecue capital of Texas, Lockhart’s pulls from various southern BBQ styles, and holds the sauce until the meat comes out of the pit. “No other person in the restaurant actually physically touches the meat,” said manager Scott Thompson of pitmaster Chris Staniek. “It’s a pride thing. That’s his passion.” The new Lake Orion location will feature two bars as well.
Modern Mideast food 2941 Street Food, the new fast casual Mediterranean restaurant at 87 W. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills, gets its name from the geographic coordinates for the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, 29 degrees North, 41 degrees East. Owner Jacques Von Standen partnered with restaurateur Joe Vicari, head of Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, which includes Andiamo, Joe Muer Seafood, and others, to offer diners what Von Standen called “a modern version of modern Mideast cuisine.” Von Standen grew up in South Africa and came to the states as a teenager with a chef’s ambition. In Washington D.C., Von Standen opened Café Au Lait, where he cooked for 17 years. “I had a Lebanese boss who inspired me to get into Lebanese and Mideast cuisine,” he said. “From ‘96 to ’97, I spent a year just eating Mideast food and studying. It was a lot of fun, eating hummus for 12 months!” In addition to salads and snacks, 2941 specializes in build-your-own dishes, which can be prepared as an Honest Bowl, Stuff It sandwich, Jar Chow – piled in a mason jar – or the Bazaar Meal, which allows diners to choose nine different dishes. On draft are Michigan craft brews, while the bottles come from Lebanon, Greece, Israel, and Turkey. The menu pulls from those countries as well as Egypt, Tunisia, Cyprus, and others.
New Caucus Club Geoge Sboukis, the new owner of the reimagined Caucus Club, hopes to be opened by Mother’s Day in May. After a 60-year run, the legendary restaurant/bar closed in 2012, and Sboukis acknowledged, “It will be a balance of trying to bridge the past to the present, to make sure we’re very relevant to the downtown environment.” The Caucus Club is undergoing renovations in the Art Deco style to match its location in the Penobscot Building, at 150 W. Congress in Detroit. Sboukis, 44, has been part-owner of Louis’ Chop House in Chesterfield Township since 1996, before the restaurant opened its doors, and like Louis’, the Caucus Club will have a dry-aging room for beef on site. “The menu will lean heavily towards signature dishes of perhaps braised foods, pastas, and seafood. A little less heavy on the beef and chops, more of a brasserie-style menu, a French brasserie that hits the menu from all different angles,” said Sboukis, who admits he’s not a fan of small plates. “My father was an immigrant and began his restaurant career in Detroit on the west side. I’m excited to be going back to his roots and following in his footsteps,” A head chef has not yet been named.
Dinner and a movie Located next to the Emagine Theater in the Palladium Building, 209 Hamilton Row in Birmingham, the Ironwood Grill is an American restaurant and bar serving BBQ brisket, ribs and pulled pork, along with a pizza bar. Owned by Paul Glantz, CEO of Emagine Theaters, Jon Goldstein, Landon Garrett, and Dan Johnson, “The restaurant is a stand alone business,” said general manager Randall Froschheuser, “a great place to come even if you’re not going to see a show.” Executive Chef Jeremy Glober has worked for Emagine since 2011. Prior to that he cooked at Great Oaks County Club. Sports fans will be happy to know that the Grill has all major sports packages for viewing.
Five eateries, two bars This summer, the Detroit Shipyard will unveil a pod of five eateries and two bars on 18,000 square feet at 474 Peterboro in the Cass Corridor of Detroit. An outdoor venue constructed out of recycled shipping containers, the shipyard is designed with drop down walls, making it suitable for year-round dining. “I’ve been gaining a lot of weight from this,” said co-CEO Jon Hartzell,
owner of Facilities Management Group. “I’ve been going around, meeting people at restaurants, popups, and seeing who can do what. Not only who can make good food, but who can work in a small space, and turn a ticket – who can produce.” Hartzell and partners James Therkalsen, a New York resident who works for Facebook, and Timothy Tharp, who owns Detroit’s Grand Trunk Pub and Checker Bar, are in the process of selecting the culinary team. “It’s sort of like the first year of Real World, if you don’t have great characters the first season, no one will come back for season two,” said Hartzell. Handling the engineering of the space is Three Squared, a company that specializes in the unique development of structures from shipping containers. Hartzell hopes Detroit Shipyard will be open by July 21, so he can celebrate his 40th birthday there the following day.
New vegan café The Detroit Zen Center, 11464 Mitchell Street in Hamtramck, recently opened Living Zen Organics, a vegan, organic, and from-scratch restaurant. “We’ve been selling to stores in metro Detroit for about five years, and we were doing so well, we decided to do a café,” said director of the Center Hilary Moga, who’s Korean name is Myungju. “We make sprouted falafel chickpea sandwiches, kale quinoa cranberry salad, mermaid stew – lentils, mung beans, sesame seeds, sunseeds, our homemade 12 spice blend, and seaweed.” The main chef, Erin Kanzig, works with six others in the kitchen. “We make an effort to give jobs to people in the local community. One of our employees was formerly homeless, and now has an apartment across the street, and is (employed) full-time,” said Buddhist nun Myungju.
Openings Arthur Avenue, the casual Italian eatery, has opened in Birmingham at 260 N. Old Woodward. Huron Room, a hip fish and chips shop in Corktown, is open at 2547 Bagley Street. The vegetarian and vegan GreenSpace Café is open in Ferndale at 215 W. Nine Mile Road. Ann Arbor’s eve, a testament to the slow food movement, has re-opened at the Bell Tower Hotel, 300 S. Thayer Street. Front/Back is reported each month by Katie Deska. KatieDeska@DowntownPublications.com. We welcome news items or tips, on or off the record, about what's happening in the front or back of the house at metro area restaurants.
Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. Local Kitchen and Bar: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.5650. Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900. Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127. Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300/ Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.
West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500.
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The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982. The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076. 248.559.5985. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.
West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. The Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390. 248.698.2400. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.
Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.1355. Antietam: French. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207. 313.782.4378. Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2040 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.965.3111.
Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. Coach Insignia: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.2622. Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214. 313.469.0976. Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180. El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. Maccabees at Midtown: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202. 313.831.9311. Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. 1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221. 313.863.1917. Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100. Roma Café: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207. 313.831.5940. Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900. Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366.
DOWNTOWN
Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702. St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216. 313.962.2121. Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668. The Block: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010. Top of the Pontch: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservation. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4313. Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.9470. 24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.964.3821. Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.3965. Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857. Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646. Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1411. Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.
01.16
AT THE TABLE From food to décor, La Dulce distinctive but not well-tuned By J. March
efore Detroit became The D, beards became cool and foodie was even a word, Royal Oak was the place to be. From Red Coat to Ronin and Café Muse to Comet Burger, downtown and the surrounding area boomed with options to dine, drink and mingle. Soon after, Ferndale became the spot and then the wave of celebrity chefs came and pounded the turf that is Detroit, taking a ton of the press with them. Though the fanfare is usually remiss, great restaurants continue to open in Royal Oak like Ale Mary’s, Bigalora and, most recently, La Dulce. Brothers Luis Negrete Escobedo and Juan Carlos Negrete took over what once was a shoe store on Main Street and turned it into something unlike any other. From food to décor it is distinctively individual and pleasantly so. Not only does the food differ from much of what's out there today, but the décor is most definitely rogue at a time where the idea of communal dining means shoving 75 tables in a dining room that should house 50. The dining room is for the most part comprised of settees in small groups with a coffee table in the center. The idea is that, over small shared plates, you are afforded the lost art of eye-to-eye conversation. Magnificent idea, I say, even if the settees should come with an extra pillow for your bottom, as the ply wood base becomes increasingly apparent by the time the churros come. The surroundings to this nonconventional dining room are eclectic and quirky, including a huge chandelier made of drinkware. Though not my cup of tea, it certainly makes a statement and is in line with the imported treasures from France and Spain that adorn the dining room. Though at first I thought the austere bar with its bare bones tile and metal design was grossly out of place, I later realized it was a much needed contrast from the busy dining space. Ian Redmond, formerly the beverage manager at Torino, is the general manager and brains behind the booze. La Dulce offers the same smattering of craft cocktails that most places do, including a Mole Old Fashioned, Pisco Punch and House Made Sangria. What's different are the choices of gin and house-made tonics that I've not seen on any other cocktail list. While mixologists across the nation strive to incorporate 15 ingredients, from absinthe to xanthan gum into a six-ounce glass, Redmond has discovered the clean, simple beauty of juniper and tonic and I for one could not be happier. The fact that it was served in a snifter and quite generous in gin and tonic made me ecstatic. Along the lines of simplicity, Redmond also offers up a vast list of sherries – a spirit that has battled its purpose behind a bar for years and has sadly been degraded to kitchens and cooking only. Though all of the sherries offered came with descriptions and pairing suggestions, I would have loved to have seen affordable flights to entice patrons to give sherry a chance without committing to an entire glass of something pricey and unfamiliar to most. Still, I say bravo to you, Mr. Redmond. Your choices are original, and not only was your bar staff knowledgeable, they were personable and welcoming. Sadly bartenders have become the self-appointed stars
B
Ensalada De Granos: grains, seasonal roasted vegetables, and mint. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent
of the show and too often make you feel like you are there for them. Not the case at La Dulce, and as a regular solo bar diner, something I believe most definitely should be lauded. Chef Juan Carlos Negrete's menu seamlessly follows the originality of Redmond's beverages. Dishes are comprised of three to four traditional Spanish ingredients yet some original preparations. Drawn to the cheese and charcuterie, I skipped it for two reasons. One, I can get it anywhere and two, I've never had chorizo or Manchego worth $30. Instead, I opted for the olives that were a great mixture and included pickled onions. My suggestion is to order these with a beer and enjoy them early as the vinegar is prevalent. My server talked me into trying the Blood Sausage. Admittedly, it’s something I've never had and can safely guess that most readers have not either as the whole “blood” part doesn’t exactly entice. However, after considering the number of rare porterhouses, ribeyes and filets I've consumed, I resigned myself to the fact that my body is okay with blood. The sausage was coined and surrounded by peanuts with bell pepper jam on country bread (think crostini). Whether or not blood makes a tastier sausage I still do not know as the sausage and peanuts were incredibly dry and the red pepper jam did little to help as it sunk into the bread, making it an bloody mess. I moved onto the Tapa de Langosta, two spoons laden with a saffron and cauliflower puree topped with lobster. The velvety puree was a great contrast for the chunky lobster. Although texturally it was spot on, the lobster was grilled far too long and was tough and smoky with zero hint of sweet shellfish goodness. The entire dish was earthy and smoky, but completely lacking the oh so important element that is acid. Adversely, the Tapa de Pulpo was perfection. Octopus with a spicy, charred exterior served with crispy potatoes and shoshito peppers. All things cooked perfectly and a great dish from start to finish. The Montadito de Pato is also a must have. Country bread, Duck Rillette and watercress. Though rillettes are popular on menus right now, this one was different. It was rich and creamy like most but it had a distinct herbal addition and a tiny bit of sweetness to it. Though I'm not sure if it was orange or vanilla, it was pleasantly different from most that I've had and
made me wish I had ordered a glass of sherry to go with it. The restaurant has a most interesting churro machine behind the bar and is worth taking a look at. I opted for the beignets instead and almost shed a tear in my Amaro when they came out piping hot on the outside and ice cold on the inside. My suggestion is this, stick with the theme of simplicity and serve piping hot fresh beignets lightly sprinkled with some powdered sugar. The apple filling cheapens the beauty of what the French have provided and makes the classic pastry more Dunkin Donuts than Café Du Monde. There are so many things to like about La Dulce. It's individuality, the bartenders, the beverage program, the refreshingly simple menu and Spanish roots. I wanted so badly to love everything they put in front of me, but clearly I did not. So here we are again at that place where I put on my robe, strike the choir and ring the bells to preach the importance of execution and consistency. To take all that time coming up with dishes and tasting and tweaking and re-tasting and re-tweaking so that flavors and ingredients are perfect only to have your culinary talents questioned because your prep cook was tired and missed an ingredient. Or your line cook forgot a pan and overcooked something. It's tragic. And that is the case at Le Dulce. Like a perfectly appointed symphony, the instruments and composition are there. It is then on the maestro to lead each individual player to a precise contribution for the music to shine. Whether Chef Negrete can make sweet music remains to be seen. Those missed notes aren’t anything a gin and tonic can fix. La Dulce, 115 South Main Street, Royal Oak 48067. Reservations can be made by calling 248.268.1719. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 11-midnight. Sunday hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with a rotating brunch menu. Prices range from $4-$30. Street and lot parking available. Handicap accessible. J. March has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry in southeast Michigan, including certification as a sommelier.
FACES
Nancy and Stephanie Tomovska wo sisters from Rochester Hills, Nancy and Stephanie Tomovska, transformed a commonplace frustration into a consumer product and viable business when they launched Unmarx in 2010. After wrestling with a damp towel to remove a deodorant mark on Nancy’s shirt before she rushed to a work meeting, the sisters decided that there should be a better way to solve such a simple problem that can ruin an outfit. Manufactured in Madison Heights, Unmarx is a palm-sized reusable pad that removes dry marks from clothing by brushing the residue off. It works on deodorant, make-up powder, pet hair, and even dried baby spit or dried food. “We both worked for the same company, and we were constantly on the road together,” said Stephanie. “We were in the medical device industry and working crazy hours at the time, and that’s when we realized that we were carrying so many things. We talked about how we wished there was a product that simplified things.” In between working, spending time with family, and attending sporting events, the sisters embarked on research and development for their brainchild. “We had a pretty good prototype going,” said Stephanie, noting that neither could successfully operate a sewing machine. “We went out and bought material from Jo-Ann’s and we’d pin those, and then we found a manufacturing company, and they helped us. They have different materials, so we’d get samples from industrial companies and try those.” The two used the Rochester Hills Public Library as an office and prototype lab. “The librarians got excited about it, so they would give us the conference room, and we’d have material everywhere, and computers, and papers,” said Nancy. In 2012, the Tomovskas began the patenting process, and in 2013, Unmarx product was included in swag bags given to celebrities at the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards. “It was really cool because we could meet with celebrities,” said Stephanie, “and we got a great response.” The same year, the two walked into a Rochester Hills’ Walgreens and talked to the manager. “It was kind of like, ‘I live down the street, and I make this product,’” said Nancy. Unmarx is now in over 100 Walgreens, where it retails for just under $10. Being entrepreneurs wasn’t on their radar, “until the mishap with the clothing mark, and we went with it, almost blindly.” said Nancy, 39. “We ran with it, and it worked out great. We’re happy we did take the chance. We never initially thought of ourselves as becoming entrepreneurs.” In 2014, the ladies were selected for Oakland County’s Elite 40 Under 40. “We were astonished and honored when we were elected by (county executive) L. Brooks Patterson,” said Stephanie, 34. “I’d say we’re opposites, but similar, yin and yang,” said Nancy, of the sisters’ relationship. “We have good days and bad days, but we’ve learned to resolve issues and move forward because it’s family first, and we’re in business together.” They’re currently exploring options for an Unmarx product that will work on car upholstery and home textiles. Unmarx donates 5 percent of annual proceeds to breast cancer research and awareness organizations. “We lost our mother to breast cancer, and it really sticks with you. We always wanted to keep her memory alive with us, and we thought that this would be a beautiful way to do it. She was our biggest cheerleader. She loved looking good, and this would have been the first thing she put in her purse,” the sisters said.
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BUSINESS MATTERS 50 years of theater Meadow Brook Theater, located at 207 Wilson Hall on the campus of Oakland University, celebrates its 50th anniversary this season. Founded in 1966, it began as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, and in 2003 separated from the university to become a non-profit. The theater, which has 584 seats, puts on seven shows each season between October through June, with 27 performances each. “It does take a team to make all the productions happen,” said Paige Vanzo, marketing and communications coordinator. “The five components that go into theater design include properties, scenic, costume, lighting and sound.” Properties cover “what you see on stage, such as a Christmas tree, or other dressing, like curtains.” The theater is governed by a board of directors and is under the leadership of Travis Walter, art director, and Cheryl Marshall, managing director. Ticket sales account for 80 percent of the theater’s budget, while the remainder comes from philanthropic sources, said Vanzo.
Middle Eastern food Jacques Von Standen, owner of 2941 Street Food, at 87 W. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills, will be offering the greater Rochester area a twist on Mediterranean and Middle East cuisine. Von Standen’s resume shows a history of success at hotel restaurants, and he was formerly vice president of the food and beverage operations for Celebrity Cruises. In early 2012, Von Standen launched a restaurant consulting business, JVS Culinary Group based in Rochester Hills. “I love Rochester Hills. The traffic here is great,” he said. Von Sanden opened the fastcasual 2941 Street Food with partner and restaurateur Joe Vicari, head of Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, which includes Andiamo and Joe Muer Seafood. Von Standen named each selection of torshi, or pickled vegetables, after Egyptian Gods. “If they were alive, they would love our torshi,” he said.
Collectors go online “We’ve been collecting most of our married life – 40 years,” said Jere Rush, who co-owns Rochester’s Rush Antiques and Rush Appraisals, 411 S. Main Street, with his wife Leona Rush. The downtownpublications.com
couple, who are in their sixties, recently launched an e-commerce site (rushantiques.com/online-store) that showcases their antiques to local and international buyers. “You do open yourself up to the world,” said Jere. “Collectors look to buy. They’re not just lookers, they’re collectors, they want to enhance their collection. We put out a tweet about some stuff we had, and we had two or three people from England look at our tweet and comment on it.” Most of the inventory will be offered online in addition to being on display in their 1,200-square foot Rochester store. Rush carries eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century items, specializing in china, porcelain, silver and furniture. “One of my favorite items is the Rose Medallion, Chinese export china,” said Jere. “I’m also a certified property appraiser, so I can do cars, antiques, diamond rings.”
20 years of custom jewelry Tom Costigan is celebrating twenty years in business as owner of J. Thomas Jewelers, 2254 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills. Costigan began working in the jewelry business as a high school student, then went to study stone setting and repairs in trade school, and completed a jewelry apprenticeship. In addition to the wide selection of diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and designer sterling silver pieces, J. Thomas offers custom jewelry design, repair, diamond inspections and appraisals. Twice a year, Costigan travels to Antwerp, Belgium to “hand select loose diamonds. That’s probably the world headquarters for diamonds. Even if they aren’t cut there, seventy percent of diamonds go through Belgium,” he said, including diamonds mined in Africa, Israel, Canada and Russia. “Because of custom design, you can pick any direction 50 miles either way; people do travel. If they get word, they do come. Within an average of a 10-mile radius is our biggest (customer base).” Designers at J. Thomas mostly hand-carve wax to make a cast for a piece, but the company has the ability to design on a computer program as well. “We do any type of custom jewelry that (customers) want. There’s some unusual (requests), but I don’t get too wild in the cases because everyone says ‘That looks cool,”
and doesn’t buy it. We have some nice contemporary looks and antique looks.”
Bath and body store Refresh Bath & Body, a Birmingham-based boutique, is expanding into Rochester, at 118 W. University Drive, across from Bean & Leaf. Rhonda and Del Akers expect to open the new location in February or March, with daughters Heather Diegel and Ashley Poma. “We love the walking district there, and we wanted something different than a mall,” said Rhonda. Refresh carries nine different brands, all made in the U.S. “We have handmade soaps, sugar and salt scrubs, soy candles, body mist, bath salts, a bath bar,” and more, said Rhonda. “Or if you don’t like baths, we have everything for showers, like a shower steamer!” The sign for the Birmingham shop, which opened in December of 2014, reads ‘Renew Bath & Body,’ as the store was known until a recent name change was finalized. The family business first opened in Buffalo, New York, where Del often traveled for unrelated business, but no longer has a presence outside of Michigan.
Crittenton joins Ascension It’s official, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, 1101 W. University Drive in Rochester, has joined Ascension Michigan, the state branch of the nation’s largest nonprofit health system, and the world’s largest Catholic health system. The final agreement was just reached recently, though the hospital’s board of trustees approved the change in January of 2015. In joining Ascension, “the hospital will enjoy the support of a national system that is benefiting from shared best clinical practices, cost efficiencies and quality improvements,” said a statement released by Crittenton. The 290-bed acute care facility serves Oakland, Macomb and Lapeer counties, and hosts nursing students from Oakland University, as well as Wayne State University students specializing in the field of ear, nose and throat, or family medicine.
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Business Matters for the Rochester area are reported by Katie Deska. Send items for consideration to KatieDeska@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
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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.
OUR Town Art Show & Sale
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OUR Town Art Show & Sale Forty, early-arriving benefactors ($200, $300, $750, $1,250) were joined by 345 friends ($75) for the Opening Night Party that kicked off the 30th Sally Gerak Anniversary of the OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale chaired by Liz DuMouchelle and Janice Degen at The Community House. They were greeted at the entrance by honorary chairs Julie Dawson and Sally Gerak, who have a long history with the event. The show of 361 pieces of art that had been selected by artist Robert Dempster and DIA conservator Barbara Heller was accented for the party by models wearing fantastic fashions created of paper and plastic bags by designer Matthew Richmond, committee member Dana Sorensen’s idea. In addition to dining on the stroll and viewing and buying art, lots of socializing ensues at this annual event. People also applaud the winners of cash prizes determined by the jurors. At the end of the three-day show, 47 pieces of the art had been bought and the People’s Choice award was won by “Honfleur, Normandy France” by Alice Belfie. Liz DuMouchelle hosted a congenial wrap-up dinner for the committee.
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1. Janice Degen (left) and Liz DuMouchelle of Bloomfield. 2. Kelsey Hogan of Birmingham. 3. Jim Fetter (left) of Bloomfield, jurors Barbara Heller of Birmingham and Robert Dempster of Bloomfield. 4. Julie Dawson (left) and Tom & Barbara Denomme of Birmingham. 5. Dana Sorenson (center) of Bloomfield, Alana Faltz (left) of Holly, Ali Restaino of Birmingham. 6. Jim & Lisa Stella of Bloomfield. 7. Laurie Mueller of Rochester Hills, Priscilla Phifer of Franklin. 8. Christine (left) & Dave Provost of Birmingham, Tory Smith Sawula of Bloomfield. 9. Steven & Marian Loginsky of Birmingham. 10. Barbara Porter & Victor Pytko of Birmingham.
Guest House’s Detroit Bishop’s Dinner The 57th Detroit Bishop’s Dinner attracted 340 ($250, $175, $150 tickets) supporters of the Guest House mission to the Somerset Inn. Many of the 340 guests had begun the evening with a Mass at the Academy of the Sacred Heart before the reception hour. Dinner, with a program emceed by WZYZ’s Brad Galli, followed. When Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny accepted his award, he recalled Cardinal Maida’s response some years earlier to his self-effacing “I don’t deserve (to be elevated to monsignor).” ”None of us do,” Maida replied. When Terry and Betty Desmond accepted their award from Mike and Colleen Monahan, the parents of six children with 17 grandchildren said, “Service is what it’s all about.” Then Bob Koval, new Guest House president/CEO, introduced the highlight of the evening – remarks by an alum of the GH program for clergy recovering from addictions. Fr. Tom Kopp’s remarks were laced with humor and pathos. He recalled being suicidal when he arrived and being hugged by nurse Jackie Lathers, who assured him he would be okay. He concluded by giving Koval a check for $11,680, which represented 10-cents per day for the 32 years he has been sober. He also said, “More will be coming in my will.” Additionally, the 57th annual event raised more than $76,000 for the Lake Orion substance abuse center for men and women of the clergy.
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Guest House’s Detroit Bishop’s Dinner
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Project HOPE’s A Starry Night The Women’s Division Project HOPE’s soiree chaired by Linda Juracek-Lipa, one of the first charity events booked in the new rooftop addition to the Detroit Athletic Club, was a splendid success. Among the 100 in attendance were guests and former members who also brought guests. All savored the sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and buffet, live entertainment, view of the city, and stars and warm camaraderie. There was also happy applause when president Bettina Gregg announced that the WD has raised a total of $608,425 for Project HOPE’s global healthcare initiatives. This does not include the $3,000 netted by A Starry Night atop the DAC.
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1. Terry (left) & Betty Desmond of Bloomfield, Msgr. Patrick Halfpenny of Grosse Pointe. 2. Patti (left) & Bob Koval of Troy, Gerry Carroll of Birmingham. 3. Marie & Bill Molnar of Bloomfield. 4. Lois Thornbury of Bloomfield, Fr. Tom Kopp of Qunicy, MA. 5. Pat (left) & Liz Haddad of Grosse Pointe, Bob Pliska of Bloomfield. 6. Joe (left) & Kay McGlynn and Kathy & Tom Strobl of Bloomfield. 7. David Crain (left) of Birmingham, Patricia Babinski of Centerline, Bob Babinski of Lake Orion.
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BB Chamber Vine & Dine The 415 people ($75 tickets) who attended the Birmingham Bloomfield chamber’s 12th annual fundraiser at the Cranbrook Institute of Science were treated to sustenance for the body and spirit. The vittles and comestibles were provided by 20 food and wine purveyors. The spiritual nutrition was provided by Cranbrook alum Jordan Broder’s NuClassica musicians, as well as Axis Music Academy. Additionally, the chance auction raised $6,000 for Gleaners Community Food Bank.
Project HOPE’s A Starry Night
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1. Camilla Kavanaugh (standing left) of Beverly Hills, Mary Putinta of Bloomfield, Bob (seated) & Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield, Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 2. Judie Sherman (left) of Bloomfield, David & Cheryl Hall Lindsay of W. Bloomfield. 3. Irene Davis (center) of Beverly Hills, Sherry & Steve Saginaw of Bloomfield. 4. Donald & Bettina Gregg of Bloomfield
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Night of Angels Oktoberfest What started at the Country Club of Detroit in the mid-80s as a joyous but sedate auction and formal dinner party fundraiser changed its stripes big time
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last month when Sarah Dodge’s Christ Child Society committee put a German spin on the annual Night of Angels. It was obviously an idea whose time had come as Night of Angels Oktoberfest attracted more than 500 ($125, $250, $500 tickets) to the Royal Oak Farmers Market on a Friday night. Many society members brought friends who were new to the organization that serves the needs of disadvantaged children in Detroit and Pontiac. Diversions included a silent and robust live auction, craft brewery stations, a cigar tent, a hearty buffet featuring German sausages, schnitzel and sauerkraut, and the music of Good Gravy. The festivities paused for Christ Child House executive director John Yablonky to be honored for his 20 years of exemplary service to the at-risk boys who reside there. The crowd included a number of two-generation families and 15 Junior Christ Child Society members on volunteer duty. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the society is counting record proceeds - $500,000. Wine & Dine in the D Sid Moss hosted his fifth annual benefit for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at the Westin Book Cadillac. For 150 guests, the evening started at a panel discussion with doctors from four different hospital groups and the foundation’s Joan Levy. The good news was that some important breakthroughs have resulted in remission status for many patients with MM, an incurable blood cancer which yearly claims the lives of more than 11,000. Another 200 guests, including several old friends of the host who traveled from afar, arrived for the gourmet food and fine wine that star at the event and the Afterglow for sponsors an patrons. They sipped and supped while Ursula Walker and the Buddy Budson Quintet made music and paused to watch speed painter Dave Santia perform. Someone paid $500 for his portrait of MSU’s Tom Izzo, but there were no bids for the Tigers’ Justin Verlander or Miggy Cabrera. Nevertheless, thanks also to sponsors the event raised approximately $60,000 to research a cure for MM. St. Hugo Altar Guild’s Ladies Night Karen Seitz and Mary DeBaisio chaired the St. Hugo Altar Guild’s Ladies Night Out at the Razzle Dazzle Club. The party site was actually Oakland Hills Country Club, and more than 200 ($60, $160-benefactor) attended, including several mother-daughter duos. The “dazzle” was provided by decorations, committee member’s hats, and the blinking rings people got when they bought raffle tickets for a $1,000 Somerset Collection gift certificate. Lois Thornbury was the lucky winner. Guests did serious shopping at the 14 boutiques and relished fare from a yummy buffet. The event raised $20,000 for the Guild’s charities which include Rose Hill Center, Mother & Unborn Baby Care, CARE House and St. Stephen’s Baptist Ministry, to name a few. Variety’s Lights Camera, Auction Leslie Miller and Robert Golding chaired Variety’s annual Lights, Camera, Auction that attracted more than 300 to Paul Glantz’s Novi Emagine Theatre. They savored fare from 27 generous restaurants, bid on silent auction items, previewed “Burnt” and raised $35,000 for Variety’s Bikes for Kids program.
BB Chamber Vine & Dine
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1. Dave Weir (left) and Bob Kupfer of Bloomfield, Linda Hatfield, Richard Astrein. 2. Monica Bisignano Zamler, Ed Bosse. 3. Lynn Wiand (left), Tim Smith, Liz Luckenbach, Chris McLogan. 4. Maria & Bill Roberts. 5. Monica Haider, Mark Berry and Cristin Lazzaro.
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Night of Angels Oktoberfest
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1. Sarah Dodge, Laura Keziah and Pamela Hildebrand of Birmingham. 2. Tom Hardy (left) of Bloomfield with Chuck Hamill and Dave Cosgrove of Birmingham and Chris Proper of Ferndale. 3. Lisette Keil of Birmingham. 4. Graham (left) & Sara-Young Ritter (right) of Bloomfield, Dana Sherrod and Lance Keziah of Birmingham. 5. Maureen Wesley (left) and Madelon Ward of Bloomfield. 6. Julie (left) & John Hammity of Birmingham, Chris Schwartz and Betsy Heid of Bloomfield. 7. Noelle Schiffer (left) of Birmingham, Julie Gheen of Bloomfield, Kim Bryson of Troy.
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1. Sharon & Sid Moss of Bloomfield. 2. Sandra (left) & Jack Lennox and Marja Norris of Bloomfield. 3. Rochelle & Dr. Harold Margolis of W. Bloomfield. 4. Linda ShinkleRodney and Teddy Shinkle of Bloomfield. 5. Tammy Packer (left) of Orchard Lake, Kim Hicks of Rochester Hills. 6. Cathy Pikula (left) of Franklin, Anita Terry and Tina Prevas of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK guests will not soon forget guest speaker John Wood’s account of getting his Alzheimer’s diagnosis a year ago at age 45. The much honored artist/teacher’s report of his hopes and fears of living with early onset Alzheimer’s earned him a standing ovation. It also confirmed the dedication of supporters like co-chairs Mary Wilson and Mari Barnett and Bill and Marlene Emerson to find a cure. The Wilson Foundation’s two $1 million grants to the Greater Michigan Chapter, which last year helped 12,000 people, were vigorously applauded. Guests also bought $10,000 in the Sweet Chances pull, savored confections presented by 18 vendors, and danced until closing to Mel Ball’s music. Thanks also to sponsors, the event raised nearly $1.3 million. The 2016 event, to be chaired by Mari Barnett and Marlene Emerson, will be Oct. 29 at the MGM Grand.
St. Hugo Altar Guild’s Ladies Night
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1. Sandie Knollenberg (left) and Karen Seitz of Bloomfield. 2. Carolyn DeMattia (left) of Bloomfield, Mary DeBaisio of Royal Oak. 3. Janet Forgione (left) and her daughter Diane Roelant, Patty Roerge, Kim Thorsen, Sandy Hebert and Lisa Wilson of Bloomfield. 4. Carol Litka (left) of Troy, Marianne Boukamp of Birmingham, Kay Browne and Barbara Finn of Bloomfield. 5. Jane Juett (left) of Bloomfield, Kyle Brush of Birmingham. 6. Marilyn (left) and Stephanie Swintech and Kathleen Sullivan and Elizabeth Zennedjian of Bloomfield. 7. Peg Harber (left) of Birmingham, Judy Walby of Troy.
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Alzheimer’s Association’s Chocolate Jubilee
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1. Mary Wilson (left) of Grosse Pointe, Mary Owen of Birmingham. 2. Bill and Marlene Emerson of Bloomfield. 3. Mel (left) & Marilyn Barnett and Mari & Ken Barnett of Bloomfield. 4. Dr. Irwin (left) & Roberta Madorsky and Todd Peplinski of Bloomfield. 5. Bev Lopatin (left) and Dr. Paul & Ann Fecko of Bloomfield. 6. Peggy (left) & Mark Saffer and Larry & Jackie Kraft of Bloomfield. 7. Morton & Diane Scholnick of Birmingham. 8. Allan & Joy Nachman of Bloomfield, Sandy & Alan Schwartz of Franklin. 9. Estelle Elkus (center) of Bloomfield and Eleanor Zuppke (left) and Marilyn Rachland of W. Bloomfield. 10. Larry Walsh (left) and Bonnie Jobe of Bloomfield, Heidi Paterson of Rochester.
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Oakland Literacy Council’s Ex Libris Dinner The Oakland Literacy Council has delivered one-onone literacy tutoring to 12,000 adults since it was founded 31 years ago by Robert Gaylor. During the council’s annual benefit dinner a tutor and a student usually talk about their journey. This year the student, who currently works three jobs, was unable to attend. But her tutor, Allison Beland’s, admiration for the 55year-old woman who read at a second grade level when they started was undeniable. “She’s an amazing woman,” Beland declared. The celebrity speaker at the event which attracted 90 to the Village Club was Dr. Jacques Bailly. He is the official pronouncer of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The University of Vermont professor detailed why English – a language in transition derived from many others – is the only language that could stage a spelling bee. The 26th annual event raised $35,500. According to board president Judy Lindstrom this brings its lifetime total to $435,500!. For volunteer information go to www.oaklandliteracy.com. Panhellenic Enrichment Awards Benefit The Birmingham Area Panhellenic Association, which actually encompasses all of Oakland County, has 14 of the 26 National Panhellenic sorority members. Its annual luncheon, chaired by ADPi Carolyn Gatesman and ZTA Kelly Small, attracted 100 to Pine Lake Country Club to raise money for the enrichment awards it makes to local high school girls each year. They spent more than $1,000 on raffle tickets for the gift baskets assembled by each of the 14 member groups before settling in for lunch and the program emceed by BAPA president June Stillman, a 56-year member of AEPhi. The roll call revealed that the Pi Phis had the most members in attendance (22) and that 94-year-old Kappa Alpha Theta Lucille Jensen possessed the longest sorority membership (70 years). Delta Gamma Sarah Skoog then emceed a colorful show of Lilly Pullitzer fashions modeled by members, including her mother Staci Skoog, national president of Delta Gamma. Career Dress Shopping Benefit Retailers Nina McLemore (quality clothes for executive women) and Karen Egren (creative jewelry and accessories) share a studio at 550 W. Merrill in Birmingham. It was an appropriate venue for the Ladies Night Out event supporting Career Dress. The allvolunteer program provides clothing for low/moderate income women seeking employment in SE Michigan. Forty supporters accepted the hosts’ generous 01.16
hospitality. It included comestibles by Annabel Cohen, sparkling and still wines, 15 percent of sales donation, and a gift raffle for those who brought clothing and accessories for the Career Dress closet. The clothing rack was filled with donations and the kitty had $800 at the event’s end. Career Dress is now independent of Lighthouse and is in the process of renovating its new home at 55 W. Huron in downtown Pontiac. A grand opening will be held in January, 2016. For information, contact judyzorn55@gmail.com or go to Career Dress on Facebook. The Village Club Benefit Luncheon Someone wishing to make a well-vetted charitable donation need look no further than The Village Club Foundation. It’s Grants Committee of 30 savvy members rigorously studies, interviews and visits the applicant agencies before presenting recommendations to the full committee. For the most recently ended fiscal year, they awarded grants totaling $137,000 to 49 agencies. Grants ranged from $1,000 for Birmingham Youth Assistance to $6,500 for Rebuilding Together Oakland County. Additionally, they approved a special one-time award of $10,000 to support HAVEN’s new comprehensive facility. The Foundation’s Time, Treasure & Talent Luncheon, a mini-fundraiser chaired by Kay White Meyer, attracted 163 members and 40 guests from grant recipient agencies. After socializing and perusing a mini silent auction, they were welcomed by foundation board president Carol Litka. Three speakers from recipient agencies then gave a brief overview of their mission. The luncheon is expected to add nearly $20,000 to the foundation’s kitty. A larger fundraiser is staged in alternate years, but donations are the primary source of income to the foundation. Judson Center Blues Gala When Social Lights first covered Judson Center’s fundraising auction in the late ‘70s, it was held at the San Marino Club in Troy and the tickets were $50. Then the ticket price was increased and the party moved to the Townsend, which it outgrew after many happy years there. This year for the first time, the event was held in Detroit, at the Westin Book Cadillac, and committee chair Joe Fisher and crew went with a Blues theme. Detroit’s Queen of Blues, Thornetta Davis, was the headliner and many of the women in the sold-out crowd of 500 ($250; $350-VIP) found elegant blue gowns for the occasion. The 200 VIPs convened early in the Venetian ballroom where champagne and premium cocktails flowed from a bar carved out of ice. All reconvened in the Woodward Ballroom for dinner and the program that featured powerful testimonials to two of Judson Center’s missions. Guests did not cry the blues when it came to spending. A raffle raised more than $6,000 and the silent auction raised nearly $50,000. The live auction raised more than $20,000 and pledging raised another $60,000. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the event raised nearly $400,000. And, because Judson Center is one of the auto show Charity Preview beneficiaries, supporters will be reconvening at Cobo on Jan. 15. For tickets, go to CharityPreview.com. Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of 4,000 children, adults, and families each year. downtownpublications.com
Oakland Literacy Council’s Ex Libris Dinner
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1. Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham and Judy Lindstrom of Bloomfield. 2. Molly Beresford of Bloomfield and Dr. Jacques Bailly of Burlington, VT. 3. John (left) & Joan Reddy of Bloomfield, Robert Gaylor of Rochester Hills. 4. Shelly & Tim Meyer and Bernard & Eleanor Robertson of Bloomfield. 5. Jackie Brewer (left) of W. Bloomfield, Alison Beland of Rochester. 6. Don (left) & Camille Breen of Bloomfield, Mary Rosenbusch of Rochester, Barbara & Edward Klarman of Southfield. 7. Joan Allesee (center) of Troy, John & Pat Wireman of Rochester Hills.
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Panhellenic Enrichment Awards Benefit
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1. Carolyn Plsek (left) of Bloomfield, Carolyn Gatesman of Highland and Kelly Small of Farmington Hills. 2. Karen Seitz (left) of Bloomfield, Patti Phillips of Birmingham, June Stillman of W. Bloomfield, Barbara Prince of South Lyons. 3. Louise Simpson (left) of Birmingham and Lucille Jensen of Bloomfield. 4. Cindy Kozlowski of Rochester Hills and Mary Baumgarten (left) of Commerce. 5. Sharon Frost (left) of Bloomfield, Sarah & Staci Skoog of Royal Oak, Julie Goddard of Grosse Pointe. 6. Amanda Whiffing of Royal Oak and Devon Cook of Bloomfield. 7. Betty Curtiss (left) of Rochester Hills, Lil Bryant of Commerce, Judy Moslak of W. Bloomfield, Carola Alameddine of Canton.
Career Dress Shopping Benefit
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1. Judy Zorn (left), Karen Lockman and Cheryl Pancitia of Rochester Hills and Lucy Simone of Troy. 2. Carol Giles (left) of Troy, Missy Mark of Birmingham. 3. Lynn Gilllow (left) of Birmingham, Kathy Zanolli of Beverly Hills, Karen Egren of NYC.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Judson Center Blues Gala
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Sky Foundation’s Annual Luncheon “How this lunch has grown! You could have held the early events in a phone booth,” noted WDIV’s Rod Meloni. He was greeting the record-setting crowd of 374 SKY Foundation supporters in the MGM Grand ballroom. Instead of listening to updates on pancreatic cancer research as they did at past fundraisers, they watched the humorous Detroit Zoo commercial – See How the Stars Live – the late Ron Castorri made before he succumbed to pancreatic cancer a year ago. The moving tribute to Castorri was followed by another video that put an entertaining spin on pancreas education. It was introduced by foundation founder’s Sheila Kasselman’s two grandchildren, who came from their home in Illinois for the event. Then auctioneer Chris Aslanian got people to bid a total of $44,550 for 11 live auction items and to pledge another $75,000 for dedicated giving. Combined with a generous supporter’s challenge match, the seventh annual Sky Foundation benefit will probably net a record-setting $250,000 for research aimed at finding an early marker for pancreatic cancer. A nice side story: Dennis Declerk was astonished when, during lunch, an MGM employee gave him change from the $100 bill he had used to buy a drink during the reception. The bartender told her the guest was a large man who ordered a red wine and left without his change. She roamed among the tables until she found him. Declerk, unaware that he had left the bar without his change, was very grateful for the staff’s integrity.
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1. Kyle Hauberg (left) of Bloomfield, Kevin Kennedy and Jeff Earll of Rochester. 2 Sally (left) & Jim Scapa of W. Bloomfield, Donna Zimmer of Bloomfield. 3. Dave Zimmer of Bloomfield with Ingrid & Tom Perring of Troy. 4. Julia (left) & Stephen Henes of Birmingham, Deborah & Mike Savoie of Bloomfield. 5. Brian Manoogian (left), Elizabeth Brazilian and Keith Pomery of Birmingham, Stephen Trudeaux of Huntington Woods. 6. Nancy (left) and John Carter and Nancy Lau of Bloomfield. 7. Aleisa Hauberg (left) of Bloomfield, Jamuna Kennedy and Sheila Earll of Rochester. 8. John (left) & Carol Aubrey of Birmingham, David Lau of Bloomfield. 9. Liz & Matt Russell of Birmingham. 10. Mary Murri (left) of Rochester Hills, Henry Lee and Nancy Kanat of W. Bloomfield.
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Sky Foundation’s Annual Luncheon
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1. Brooke Grace (left) of Birmingham, Sheila Sky Kasselman of W. Bloomfield, Bluma Schechter of Bloomfield. 2. Bill Powers (left) & Wendy Williams Powers and Rick Williams of Bloomfield. 3. Scott Klott of Rochester Hills, Niki Gallaudet of Beverly Hills. 4. Debbie Fellberg (left) and Janice Steinhardt of Birmingham. 5. Barbara (left) & Dennis Declerk of Bloomfield, committee member Kathy Calver of Waterford. 6. Bob (left) & Susan Blank, Lee & Pat Hochstein of Bloomfield. 7. Char Terry (center) of Bloomfield, Bill Beasley & Sara Hofman of Ferndale.
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Junior League Sustainers Cocktail Party Junior League of Birmingham members who have fulfilled their obligation as active members become Sustainer members. Many nourish the friendships they formed as actives and 45 of them gathered at the annual sustainer social hosted by Meredith Carrell at her Birmingham home. It was chaired by Katie Marinelli, one of five past presidents in attendance. In addition to playing catch up with one another’s lives they welcomed JLB president Shiela Jones, who noted the group’s current volunteer focus is combating human trafficking. Junior Leaguers and friends will again convene at the 2016 Signature Event – Casino Night which Jamilah Levens-Wright is chairing Saturday, April 16, at Birmingham Open Hunt. For tickets ($75,) go to www.jlbham.org/estore. Cabaret 313
The second offering in Sandi Reitelman and Allan Nachman’s third season of bringing a quintessential New York experience to the Big D attracted rave reviews and capacity crowds (125) for each of the two performances by T. Oliver Reed 01.16
at the Carr Center. His vocal tour of the Harlem clubs of the 1930s included renditions of familiar classics as well as “Ill Wind” which he presented as a powerful statement about lynchings, another a reality of the day. The show was streamed live by DPTV and may be viewed at video.pbs.org/video/2365603616/. The next Cabaret 313 offering is the versatile Jason Graae on Saturday, Jan.23 in a tribute performance to “Hello Dolly!”, “Mame” and “La Cage Aux Folles” composer Jerry Herman. He will do two shows at the Black Box Theatre in the Detroit Opera House, 7 p.m. and at 10 p.m., with doors opening 45 minutes before. Light food and drink will be available for purchase. Ditto valet parking. For tickets and the remaining season line-up, go to cabaret313.org. Call 313.405.5061 with questions. Santa Society Toys for Tots The good guys did it again. For the 23rd year they hosted Cause for Claus Gala Charity Ball. The price of admission was a contribution to the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots program. The Santa Society directors welcomed approximately 450 toy-toting guests to the Troy Marriott. The music of Jedi Mind Trip accented the socializing, sipping, supping and dancing as several Marines accepted and stacked some 500 toys they will distribute to needy kids. The directors foot the bill for the room, food and band. Directors are Jack Bourget, Ray Dallavecchia, Marty Apruzzese, Richard Bloom, Robert Bloom, Mark Boswell, Kevin Brown, Keith Butler, Lee Cabelof, Chas Chandler, Steven Dempsey, Rick DiBartolomeo, Bill Frantz, Tony Galbo, Hillary Heacock, Brandon Horrocks, Michael Obloy, Harry Radtke and founder Tim Turner. London Chop House Salvation Army Benefit Jazz vocalist Nicole New led the singing as more than 100 London Chop House diners ($250-ticket) participated in the revival of an old Detroit tradition – the sing-a-long luncheon benefiting the Salvation Army. For the third year, restaurant owners Ellena, Nico and Maria Gatzaros and Christos Moisides opened the iconic Detroit bistro just like the original restaurant did in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The luncheon and the group singing on stage raised more than $60,000. Spotted among the generous diners were event cofounders Tom and Diane Schoenith, Sam and Katie Valenti, Lidija Grahovac, Valerie Straith and Sandy Duncan. To make a contribution toward The Salvation Army’s 2015 Red Kettle Campaign, go to salmich.org. 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
Junior League Sustainers Cocktail Party
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5 1. Jennifer Raab (left) of Bloomfield, Meredith Carrel of Birmingham. 2. Linda Lessway (left) and Kim Prodden of Birmingham, Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield, Katie Marinelli of Royal Oak. 3. Suzy Osmer (left) of Beverly Hills, Kathy Walgren of Birmingham. 4. Keri Boyd (left) and Noelle Schiffer of Birmingham, Stephanie Smith of Northville. 5. Linda Underdown (left) and Sue Foley of Birmingham, Sis Wenger of Bloomfield, Karen DeKoker of Bingham Farms. 6. Gail Van Cleave (left) of Troy, Molly Saeli of Birmingham. 7. Alison Murphy (left) of Birmingham, Mary Linda Murphy and Jane Imerman of Bloomfield.
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Cabaret 313
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1. Christian Wholer (left) and Pamela Ayres of Bloomfield, Dale Hollandsworth of White Lake. 2. Elayne Greenspan (left) of Franklin, Dr. Martin Tessler of Bloomfield, Dr. Richard Bluford of Franklin. 3. Dr. David DiChiera (left) of Detroit, Linda Orlans & Gerry Padilla of Birmingham. 4. Linda Hayman (left) and Carole Slotkin of Bloomfield. 5. Nancy Liebler (left) and Dawn Rassel of Bloomfield. 6. Cabaret 313 founders Sandi Reitelman of Birmingham and Allan Nachman of Bloomfield with T.Oliver Reid (center). 7. Toby & Sam Haberman of Birmingham. (Event photos by Christine M.J. Hathaway).
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ENDNOTE
Consider marijuana grow permit carefully fficials in Rochester are wise to take their time in their consideration of the first medical marijuana grow facility that may soon be authorized to operate in the city. Rochester businessman Mark Finley has proposed leasing a 320-square-foot space above his current business operation on South Street to start a 72-plant grow operation. If approved, Finley could be the first authorized grow operation in the city, a move we feel could serve as an example for future business models. Michigan voters in 2008 approved a state law legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The law also allows the state to license caregivers, who may grow up to 72 marijuana plants for authorized patients. Since then, both the state legislature and local municipalities have been struggling to find ways to regulate the proliferation of caregiver growing facilities. Rochester, through its 2014 medical marijuana grow operation ordinance, has effectively removed the profitability from the caregiver business, and kept such facilities out of the city. Growers seeking to operate in Rochester must first receive site plan approval of their proposed facility, as well as a special exemption from the city's planning commission, a process that Finley is currently pursuing. However, the true stumbling blocks for growers looking at Rochester are the city's financial requirements, which include a nonrefundable application inspection fee of $750, as well as a $6,500 deposit that must be held by the
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city for inspections, processing and oversight for the entire time the facility is in operation. If the grow operation doesn't receive approval, the deposit is refunded. However, licensees who are approved must maintain that deposit through the life of the operation. As Rochester Economic Development Director Nik Banda explained, the city receives dozens of inquiries from medical marijuana growers each week, but none have yet to follow through because of the stringent financial requirements. Finley, however, has no misgivings about the financial return on his proposed endeavor. He expects none. Instead, he hopes to make a statement about the validity of medical marijuana use, something he said he has witnessed firsthand among close friends. Citing a friend who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and another with a father battling cancer, Finley said he believes in the use of medical marijuana under state law. If he follows through, it's a statement he expects will cost about $10,000, just for the licensing aspect from the city. "There's no way I'm going to break even financially," he told planning commissioners. In terms of motives, the city, through Banda's own statements, is inclined to take Finley at face value. But Finley's motives are really irrelevant to the ordinance and his compliance. And that must be the only issues the city should concern itself with. Given the almost unchecked growth of medical marijuana cultivation operations in the county, the
first one in any city will likely lead to others. For that reason, we believe the city should take note of any potential issues during the process, and adjust its ordinance accordingly to ensure a smooth and consistent process in the future. Currently, those wishing to establish a grow operation in the city must gain site plan approval and special exception use, have a facility that is at least 500 feet away from schools, parks, childcare facilities, and be within an area zoned as an industrial district. After receiving permission from the planning commission, applicants must also apply for a license from the city, which must then be approved by city council. While Finley has yet to come before the planning commission for a public hearing, which is tabled until February, let alone the process of licensing by the city and state, planning commissioners have already questioned potential security issues with Finley's location, as it is located in a multi-tenant building. While questions regarding inside and outside security systems are included in the city's medical marijuana grow operation license application, it would be wise to include security issues and requirements in the city's zoning and/or licensing ordinance. Considering this is the first serious applicant the city has had, it provides the city with an opportunity to identify and iron out any wrinkles in the ordinance which may become problematic in the future. It also ensures consistency in the future to growers seeking to operate in Rochester.
Equitable water rates good for Rochester he city of Rochester has spent a lot of time reworking the city's water billing structure in order to create greater equitability. The new system, which was approved by the Rochester City Council in early November, creates a dual rate system, with those who use more water paying their fair share. The previous water rate system had a flat rate, with those using less water in essence subsidizing those who utilize more water for their homes, gardens and commercial properties. Under the new water and sewerage plan, Rochester now has two billing systems, one to accommodate municipal well water users, mostly on the west side of the city, and one for consumers of Detroit Water and Sewerage Services (DWSD), mostly those who live and work on the east side of the city. Under the plan, residents on DWSD who use less than 18 units per billing cycle, about 550 accounts, will see a reduction in their water bills, while those who use over 18 units, approximately 1,290 accounts, will see a higher water bill.
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Rochester did not pursue this new water and sewerage plan without careful planning and deliberation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they undertook a three-year water rate study, which was done in collaboration with Umbaugh & Associates, which is one of the largest and most active independent municipal advisors to governmental units in the midwest, offering analysis to municipalities, utilities, libraries, and economic development corporations. According to a three-year water rate study, the city's water and sewer fund expenses total $5.6 million, and of that total, $3.4 million is used to operate the sewerage system, and $2.2 million is for water services. Seeking to find greater equity for all of Rochester's residents, the city government was right to work the last several years to provide basically a pay-as-you-use system for water. Most local municipalities on Detroit water utilize a similar system, with individual meters on homes and businesses monitoring consumption against a flat fee.
Rochester residents on Detroit water now have the option, even if it seems initially expensive, to purchase an irrigation meter for $330, plus an $80 fee for obtaining the permit and installing the meter. The $410 amount may sound pricey, but for some it will be an investment that will come back to them. The city has invited residents to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether installing the meter will benefit them financially in the long run. For many it may well be worth it because the outside metering easily quantifies the exact amount of water going to irrigate, and then that amount will be deducted from their sewer costs. The irrigation meters are designed to reduce wastewater bills, and exclusively determine the quantity of water thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being used outdoors for watering and irrigation. Water and sewer rates and their billing are confusing, and not a topic many people want to spend much time discussing. Suffice it to say the city of Rochester spent the time to do the analysis for residents. If you use more water, it's now time to pay. If not, it's time you got a break.
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