Rochester/Rochester Hills

INSIDE

: OAKLAN CONFIDE D POLITICA NTIAL L AND GOSNEWS SIP PAGE 35

MAY 2016

LGBT CONTROVERSY: NEW STATE BOARD OF ED POLICY THE INTERVIEW: MUSLIM LEADERS ON CURRENT CHALLENGES FISH STOCKING: MILLIONS SPENT TO KEEP ANGLERS HAPPY ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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We will respect your wishes and work with you to list your current home, move it off the market and get you moved on and into your new nest as seamlessly as possible. For more than four decades, people have trusted our team to help their family, generation after generation, to settle in and never settle for less than the best life has to offer.

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DOWNTOWN05.16

18

Controversy over LGBT policy from state board New recommendations from state education officials relative to how schools should deal with transgender students has ignited a groundswell of opposition. Here's a look at the new policy and how Oakland state lawmakers are reacting.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

10

Publisher David Hohendorf's take on our form of government as a democratic republic and the value of understanding the rules of the game if you want to be involved and impact the process of setting the public agenda.

CRIME LOCATOR

15

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Rochester and Rochester Hills, presented in map format.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

35

Our periodic gossip/news column about politics and government captures what's new in the races for county water resources commissioner, county treasurer, prosecutor and other items of interest.

MUNICIPAL

53

Parking fees going up; Fox Automotive expansion; council split on anniversary spending; senior living facility clears planners; Jenoptik expansion moves ahead; PSD special assessment; new K-9 officer sought for force; plus more.

FRONT/BACK

62

Katie Deska gives us the 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.

THE COVER The Elliott Tower, donated by longtime supporters Hugh and Nancy Elliott, is both a gathering spot for students and a visual centerpiece for the campus of Oakland University. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.

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28

Muslim leaders speak out Two leaders from the Muslim community – in the Bloomfield and Rochester areas – talking about current issues of concern.

45 Stocking waterways with fish How state natural resource officials decide to stock state lakes and streams with fish, mostly for the benefit of the sport fishing industry.

50

Joe Chila

AT THE TABLE

65

Reviewer J. March was a bit befuddled on her return to Ale Mary's in Royal Oak, where food that was once great needs more attention.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

68

Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and nonprofit circuit as she covers recent major events.

ENDNOTE

74

New policy recommendations on LGBT issues from the state Board of Education; Rochester’s PSD offers immeasurable value to city and businesses.

FACES

16 27 43 50 66

Nannette Masich Kris Kazor Angela Youngblood Joe Chila Partha Nandi

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Absolutely stunning with every desired detail and amenity. Hardwood flooring throughout majority of first floor. Library with vaulted ceiling. Welcoming 2-story foyer & grand staircase leads to 2 spacious bdrms., bath and bridge overlooking great rm. First floor laundry. Open floor plan with 2-story great room with fireplace overlooking dining room and kitchen for casual and formal entertaining. Spacious maple kitchen with granite, walk-in pantry, snack bar & new stainless appliances. Dining rm. leads to paver patio and beautiful landscaping. Exquisite master suite with fireplace, his and hers walk-in closets, dual sinks with granite, jetted tub and separate shower. Fin. daylight bsmt. with wet bar, full bath, ideal recreational and storage space. Total move-in condition on a beautiful court location in desirable development with gazebo and elegant surroundings.Â

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.

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Spacious ranch on 2/3 acre private treed setting. Two-car attached garage, and extra detached one-car garage. Master bdrm. with cathedral ceiling leads to deck and overlooks yard. Hardwood flooring throughout. New kitchen with soft close cabinetry, quartz countertops, pantry, snack bar, tile flooring and new appliances. New roof, Andersen & Wallside windows. New roof, first floor laundry, 3 season porch and so much more. Desirable location near schools, downtown Rochester, shopping and conveniences.

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WHAT DOES YOUR NEST LOOK LIKE? Thinking about how your life has changed and you need to move to accommodate life’s changes?

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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.

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Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS

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FROM THE PUBLISHER e involved in the actual “system” if you want to effect change. Once you are there, master the rules of the organization and the unspoken ways that any – especially a political/government – group functions. The two best pieces of advice I learned early on, dating back too many years to even mention here.

B

Mastering the rules of the game – I had some of the best teachers, most of them who have since passed on, including the township supervisors and city mayors/managers in some Oakland communities in the 1970's period. I have them to thank for my understanding of how the government functions.

The first principle – involvement in the “system” – I learned in the 1960's. You could protest in the streets over Washington policies, particularly as it applied to the unpopular war in Vietnam. You could even boycott university classes (which, for the record, I personally paid for) and live in a tent city on campus (yes, we did) to give dramatic emphasis to drive your message home. All of this public clamor helped raise the national consciousness and that of my parents' generation, which surely helped influence the course of events, much like we have seen in recent years with the Occupy Wall Street movement. But nearly 50 years later the fact of the matter remains the same – the day-to-day decisions on government were – then and now – controlled by elected officials we send to our county meeting places, state legislatures or Washington D.C. to carry out our wishes – sort of.

So it is with some fascination that I follow the current Republican Party fight for delegates in the presidential race, where the 50 states have as many varying rules governing how, or even if, the public popular vote will be honored when it comes time to determine at this summer's national convention who will be the standard bearer for this party.

Michigan will have a total of 59 convention delegates in Cleveland this summer. Trump is guaranteed 25, and Cruz/Kasich get the remainder, 17 each. I am told that the delegates are bound, on the first ballot at the convention, to support the candidate to which they are pledged. After the first ballot, delegates are no longer bound.

Some observers say that the current Michigan GOP rules, as complicated as they are, prevent the stealth activity we see in other states where a candidate wins the overwhelming popular vote but ends up with only a small part of the delegates.

Once again, mastering the rules of the game and commandeering

delegates in case of an open or contested convention is part of the process. It has all the appearance of a game skewed for system insiders and those candidates with the capital to hire the best of political strategists. But these are the rules of the game.

The current presidential race is a good reminder of the most important fact about our government – we don't live in a democracy. We are a democratic republic.

Still the best, but it has it's idiosyncrasies and imperfect outcomes, including the basic fact of life – representatives we send off to reflect our views don't really do that. In fact, in some cases, only occasionally. They go and carry out only some of our wishes because they all bring their own agenda on key issues, even if out of sync with the majority of residents in a district.

And this much heralded yet imperfect system was dealt an even more severe setback when the U.S. Supreme Court court in 2002 (Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission) basically struck down as unconstitutional the McCain-Feingold law that sought to restrict soft money in campaigns and limit the flow of funds from corporations and unions, basically opening the financial flood gates in the election process that we are seeing unfold in 2016. It's not the first time that the courts, dating back into the 1970's, have ruled against attempts to limit the influence of money in the electoral process but it was one of the more damaging blows against past attempts to prevent our system of governance from becoming an oligarchy or, worse still, a plutocracy where the leaders are chosen by the rich class and take their orders from those who paved the way to election victory with unrestricted contributions.

An imperfect system? Yes, but still one of the best. Can it be improved to reflect more of the wishes of the majority of the population? Yes, but not anytime soon. It would require that first we get a larger percentage of the population to participate, at least marginally, in the system by casting an informed vote in every election. It would require that the general population demand that the rules of the game are simplified so that the insiders cannot control the outcome, sometimes against what the popular vote dictates. And then there must be a constitutional amendment to limit the influence of money. Tall orders, indeed.

But only then can the true interests of the majority be better served by those we send off to represent us.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

JOIN THE

DANCE. See it and be moved. Through June 12, 2016.

Tickets at dia.org/Dance #JoinTheDance

This exhibition has been organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts. Support has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support has been provided by the Marjorie and Maxwell Jospey Foundation and an ADAA Foundation Curatorial Award and the Association of Art Museum Curators. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dances (detail), 1914 or 1915, oil on canvas. Arthur Bowen Davies, American. Gift of Ralph Harman Booth

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OPPORTUNITY

DOWNTOWN

05.16

INCOMING Appreciate Downtown I am writing to let you know how much I appreciate your (our?) new magazine.

I recently finished reading the most recent issue, and again I am amazed at the thoroughness of the coverage of topics relevant to us. Your article on the lack of information we have about the millions of gallons being pumped to water Oakland golf courses (April/Downtown) was detailed, informative and engaging.

This has been true of other articles as well. I found myself particularly educated by your recent article on DDA's (November/Downtown) and how they work.

Newspapers just don't take the space any more to really dig into the important topics at hand, but your newsmagazine does. And I appreciate that.

So, thank you. And I wanted to let you know, too, that I just wrote to Senator Knollenberg and Rep. Webber to ask them to support the package of bills regarding governmental transparency and FOIA, which you had asked your readers to do.

You're doing great work, and I thank you for that. I hope the endeavor is a great success.

Gary Schmitz Rochester Hills

Golf course water use I was forwarded the piece on the use of water on golf courses (April/Downtown). Thank you for writing about this topic — I believe it was covered well from both sides of the issue.

I wanted to get you a few more facts on water use and golf. Golf courses are professionally managed landscapes with more than 90 percent of the average 18-hole course contributing to valuable green space in any watershed or community. Of the 150 acres for the average 18-hole course, 90 percent is valuable green space. According to the 2014 GCSAA Golf Course Water Use and Conservation Practices survey, golf courses use 21.8 percent less water than they did in 2006 and golf course irrigation accounts for only 1.44 percent of all water used for irrigation in the U.S. Did you also know golf is a $4.2 billion industry in Michigan and a huge part of the economy, especially in the Birmingham-Bloomfield areas?

Many of these courses have occupied the same valuable urban green space for more than 100 years. In fact, Oakland Hills is celebrating its centennial year of employing members of the local community and downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT

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Take Ca en Movers re of Yo ur Move !

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FACES Nannette Mazich or any non-profit, reaching the milestone of its 25th anniversary is quite an accomplishment. For Eisenhower Dance of Rochester it feels particularly sweet, having grown from a small ensemble of dancers to a professional dance troupe traveling the world, with three local dance schools and an operating budget just shy of $1 million. And Nannette Mazich, Eisenhower Dance's executive director, is having a blast sharing the contemporary dance company's work.

Eisenhower Dance is a contemporary dance company first begun by dancer and choreographer Laurie Eisenhower in the summer of 1991. “When Laurie started, it was a small group of dancers,” Mazich said. “Today, we have seven professional dancers, and five apprentices. Our dancers come from Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Connecticut, Missouri. Our apprentices perform if someone is injured, or sometimes if the choreography incorporates more dancers.”

Mazich, who is a Michigan native and attended the University of Michigan, has lived all over the United States. “My husband's job has taken us all over the country,” she said. They returned about five years ago, by way of Delaware, where she worked as a realtor. “I worked at Ford Motor Company, I was a realtor, I've painted, and I've done wearable arts with my own company. I've always had my hand in the arts, and I've had a passion for the arts and non-profits. Giving back is important to me, and when you get involved with Eisenhower, it's really a family.”

Mazich, who became executive director in January 2014, has worked with the company as it has toured both domestically and internationally.

“They've performed in New York City, New Jersey, Florida, Santa Barbara, California, St. Louis, Illinois, Baltimore, Arizona, New Mexico, Poland, and as far as St. Petersburg, Russia,” she said. The dancers do a variety of performances, she said, often choosing from a variety of pieces initially choreographed by Eisenhower.

“When you work with a theater, or whoever invites you in, that can determine the choreographed pieces,” Mazich explained.

“They can request the pieces.”

“Motown in Motion” choreographed dances to Motown music, she said, is some of their most requested pieces, and last year, they paired lighting designers with choreographers to perform a light show at the Detroit Opera House.

“It's incredible. The professional dancers, who tour all over the world, come back and then teach our students and take them under their wings. They just have a passion for it,” Mazich marveled. In addition to the professional dance company, Eisenhower has three dance studios, in Rochester, Birmingham and Franklin, where they teach up to 450 students, from newborns in music classes to adults. The professional dancers rehearse out of the Rochester studio.

Over two years in, Mazich is even more mesmerized by the dance troupe and her job than when she began. “It's wonderful to see how talented they are,” she said.

Looking forward, she is committed to helping those who may not have the resources to take lessons, and connecting with those in the community who do, to help dancers who may not be able to dance without their assistance.

“I love my job, from the foundations to the board members who share my passion, to the three year old who is dancing in the recital at the end of the year,” she said.

F

Story: Lisa Brody

Photo: Laurie Tennent

M

ichigan is finding itself in the center of a storm over policy recommendations relative to LGBT students that have been developed by the Michigan Department of Education and the Board of Education.

The proposed guidelines, entitled "Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Students," would be optional for school districts to implement, if approved by the board. However, those opposing the proposed guidelines accuse the board of overstepping its role by promoting policies some claim are an attempt at social engineering that places students in harms way and subverting the rights of parents. Meanwhile, local school districts say without a formal policy in place regarding transgender students, most schools work with students and parents on a case-by-case basis.

Citing higher rates of harassment, bullying, suicide and missed days of school among LGBT students, the state Board of Education's recommendations include measures to foster acceptance of transgender students.

"The department of education and the board of education had been approached by school districts in the state that were looking for some guidance, outreach and help on how to deal with LGBTQ students. At that request, the department and board worked collaboratively to come up with guidance," said Bill DiSessa, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Education. "They are not requirements. It's guidance that is optional for districts that want and are seeking guidance and want to support students."

LGBT POLICY STORM MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION NEW SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

Included in the guidelines are recommendations for school districts to allow transgender students to participate in sports and other activities in accordance with their gender identity, rather than their biological sex; the use of gender-neutral dress codes that don't restrict clothing choices on the basis of gender; additional staff training; and the encouragement of respect for human and civil rights of all people, including those who are LBGT, across the curriculum.

However, the guidelines have been met with strong opposition from parents, politicians and others who say the guidelines are lopsided, going too far to protect LGBT students while infringing upon the rights of other students and parents.

The recommendations that have received the most attention are those suggesting transgender students be permitted to use the restroom and locker rooms of the gender of which they identify, rather than their biological sex. The guidelines also recommend districts allow transgender students to use different gender names without gaining permission from a parent or guardian first.

"I'm firmly opposed to these guidelines, which are framed in protecting from danger these children who have various gender identities, but it goes way beyond the scope of the safety of these children and into social engineering and advocating for calling them one name in front of children and another in front of parents," said state Representative Jim Runestad (R-White Lake). "In my view, it violates the rights of other students. I think it's a policy rife with potential abuse, from boys in particular, who may want to take advantage of this."

Introduced in February, the state Board of Education was to consider the guidelines at its May 10 meeting. However, that date has been pushed back for at least another month as the Michigan Department of Education extended the public comment period on the guidelines for at least another 30 days, following a request by Michigan House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant).

"They agreed to push it back 30 days," said a spokesman for Cotter. "There are a couple of individual lines and recommendations that suggest schools allow children to change their name in the school database and designated gender to go into any locker room or bathroom. It also says parents aren't notified because students can make decisions on their own.

"We haven't gotten a good explanation of where it came from or the motivation behind

The guidelines have been met with strong opposition from parents, politicians and others who say the guidelines are lopsided, going too far to protect LGBT students while infringing upon the rights of other students and parents.

it. Part of the reason we wanted more time was to figure out what they are trying to accomplish."

As of April 13, more than 8,600 comments on the guidelines had been left at everyvoicecountsmi.org, a forum hosted by the Michigan Department of Education.

"I have a trans-female child (who looks like a female and presents as a female)," a parent (Cindy Rousch-Cook) wrote. "If she were to have to use the 'boys' bathroom, I think it cause [sic] way more issues than her using the female bathroom. People need to remember that a child who goes into a bathroom needs to 'go to the bathroom.' They are no more a threat than anyone else."

Some commenters took to quoting Bible scriptures in their comments to defend their belief and opinions, while others said there are already rules in school that are intended to protect against bullying. Others refer to the guidelines as rules or legislation, or say they are concerned that such voluntary guidelines will become law. The site has come under some criticism because the comment process allows individuals to post multiple comments and is unable to verify who is actually posting.

"The gay/lesbian community in the school setting is a MINORITY not the majority! They are boys and girls, period. These facilities should remain separate!" a Michigan parent identifying herself as "Dottie" commented on the website. "These gender confused young people may be harassed in restroom/locker room, but so are the geeks, the unpopular, the fat kids, the 'ugly kids,' etc."

Meanwhile, the Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee on Education in March 2016 cut $24,500 out of the Michigan Department of Education's budget for travel reimbursement for the state board, possibly as a punitive measure. That measure was upheld on April 19, by the House Appropriations Committee by a partyline vote, which included BirminghamBloomfield Republican, Rep. Mike McCready.

On March 31, state Senator Tom

Casperson (R-Escanaba) announced he would introduce a bill that would thwart the most controversial components of the guidelines by requiring all Michigan students to only use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their birth gender.

"It's hard to believe that a state board, which is clearly out of touch with Michigan residents, got assistance from equally out of touch unelected bureaucrats, to develop such a document to fundamentally change Michigan's public education system without the public's prior knowledge or consent," Casperson said. "In the pursuit of social justice, this so-called draft guidance document created numerous problems, from the elimination of parental authority and notification, to threatening student safety and beyond. My bill would stop this policy dead in its tracks."

Casperson further said his bill would recommend students who don't identify with their biological sex would be accommodated if the student has written consent from a parent or guardian, but wouldn't permit those students to use restrooms of the opposite sex.

Instead, the student would be referred to single-occupancy restrooms, staff facilities or "other reasonable accommodations."

Democratic House leader Tim Greimel (DAuburn Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Pontiac, Sylvan Lake), said such a bill would make life more difficult for students who may already be struggling with gender issues.

"I encourage Senator Casperson to focus on adequately funding schools and improving academic achievement instead of picking on kids who are often bullied already," Greimel said.

The bill, which had yet to be introduced by mid-April, would make Michigan among a handful of states that have passed legislation opposed to anti-discrimination laws, if enacted. Similar laws have been passed in Tennessee and Arkansas. Most recently, North Carolina passed a law that requires public schools and agencies to segregate bathrooms by biological sex on someone's birth certificate, and prohibits any city or county from creating new anti-discrimination laws.

North Carolina's law was passed in response to a Charlotte city ordinance that would have outlawed discrimination against LBGT people. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said the ordinance conflicts with the state's tradition of privacy and equality. Since the North Carolina law was passed in February, several corporations, businesses, entertainers and cities across the country

have refused to do business with the state and passed travel bans to North Carolina.

"Royal Oak supports equality, and in keeping consistent with the values of our community we will not spend public money in states that are actively undermining and rolling back the basic human rights of their citizens," Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison said. "It's important that cities like ours send a message to leaders in North Carolina and across the country that all people deserve equal protections under the law, and that we stand in solidarity with the LGBT community in opposing discrimination."

Royal Oak City Council on Monday, April 11, unanimously approved Ellison's proposal to prohibit the city from using public resources to fund, sponsor or in anyway support nonessential travel to the state of North Carolina.

In response to North Carolina's law, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of North Carolina, Equality NC and Lambda Legal are challenging the law in federal court.

Meanwhile, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper announced he wouldn't defend the constitutionality of the new law.

"Not only is the new law a national embarrassment, it will set North Carolina's economy back if we don't repeal it," Cooper said. "And that means there will be a negative impact on innocent people who work hard every day and pay taxes. They don't deserve to lose money because of this. They deserve better."

Jay Kaplan, who works on the ACLU of Michigan's LGBT Legal Project and is a member of the workgroup that created Michigan's proposed school guidelines, said it appears Casperson's yet-to-be introduced bill will focus on public schools, while the North Carolina law goes further. Still, he said, such legislation in Michigan would raise questions about equal protections under the Constitution, as well as districts that receive money through federal Title IX funding.

"We have great concerns with what has been mentioned, but if it indeed would pass, then I believe there are some serious legal issues and we would be looking at it," he said. "It raises issues of sexual discrimination, and that would be a basis for a legal challenge against a law like this."

Michigan School Board President John Austin, who serves as director of the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas Foundation and former director of the Great Lakes Economic Initiative for the Brookings Institution, said he believes similar laws in Michigan would be harmful for the state's economy, as well as students.

Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) is introducing a bill that would thwart the most controversial components of the guidelines by requiring all students to only use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their birth gender.

"Transgender students have rights and are to be acknowledged under our civil rights laws," he said. "Looking at what is happening in North Carolina, it's very bad for the state and its economic future. It won't help attract talent into the state by saying we aren't supportive and we won't adhere to antidiscrimination measures.

"I hope Michigan joins the party that says LGBT people not only exist, but they have the same rights as others, and we should embrace and celebrate them here in Michigan, not chase them out of the state. That's a recipe for us to be a backwater state."

Further, Austin said there's no doubt that the need to help LGBT students exists.

"We have almost nine percent of our kids in public schools (that) are gay, and more transgender students being comfortable with coming out," Austin said. "Those kids have significant learning challenges in terms of health risks. They are four times as likely to commit suicide and twice as likely to skip class.

The need is out there to help these kids get a great education. It can be done if schools can create an environment that is welcoming and supportive."

Data from the 2015 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey found about 8.4 percent of high school students in the state are lesbian, gay or bisexual. The survey found students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) are nearly three times more likely to be injured or threatened with a weapon on school property, with more than 40 percent reporting being bullied on school property.

According to national studies, about 26 percent of transgender students were physically assaulted in school in the past year because of their gender expression. Overall, LBGT students who are bullied and harassed are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, feel excluded from the school community and experience lower academic achievement and stunted educational aspirations.

Findings from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) 2013

National School Climate Survey, determined that Michigan schools weren't safe for most LGBT secondary school students.

Additionally, the study found that many LGBT students in Michigan didn't have access to important school resources, such as having a curriculum that is inclusive of LGBT people, history or events, and were not protected by comprehensive anti-bullying/harassment school policies.

The GLSEN study found about nine in 10 LGBT students have been verbally harassed in the past year due to their gender expression, or the manner in which they represent or express gender to others, often through their name, pronouns, behavior, clothing, haircut activities, voice, mannerisms or other distinctive markers of gender. About 53 percent of LGBT students have been physically assaulted, with 54 percent of transgender students stating they don't feel safe enough that they can report incidents to school authorities.

Rochester Hills Public Schools spokeswoman Lori Grein said while the district doesn't have a specific policy regarding LGBT students or restrooms, she said the district strives to treat all students equally.

"We treat all of our students fair and equally, and that won't ever change.

Inclusiveness is very important," she said.

In regard to the state's proposed guidelines for school districts, Grein said the district is waiting for official guidelines to be released before commenting.

"Out of respect for the state, we want to see what they are putting out and use their guidance," she said.

Birmingham Public Schools is currently in the process of reviewing its student policies and making updates, said district spokeswoman Marcia Wilkinson.

"The current sexual harassment policy deals with and mentions sexual orientation, but it doesn't break it down," she said. "We deal with each case individually to protect the student's confidentiality and work on a one-on-one basis."

Bloomfield Hills Schools spokeswoman Shira Good also said the district doesn't have a formal policy regarding LGBT students and bathrooms, but the district has a Global Education Team in each school, which was born out of work surrounding global education, inclusion and equity.

"For example, the high school team recently decided to outfit all graduating seniors with black caps and gowns, for gender equality," she said. "In the past, boys

and girls were split between purple and black. Now, each graduate will wear black.

This is just one example of our GET work across the district."

As for bathrooms and locker rooms, Good said the new high school bathrooms are, for the most part, single toilet facilities that both men and women staff share. She said the district is conducting an internal dialogue surrounding student restroom use and how they may best address any future concerns or requests.

"We know it's not about 'if' a student will ask – it's when – and we would like to be better prepared for those conversations and decisions," she said.

Christine Barnett, assistant superintendent of human resources and labor relations for the Bloomfield Hills district, said the district's universal code of student conduct is a board of education policy adopted to enforce policies protecting students from harassment, violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Specifically, she said the policy prohibits intentional conduct which would demean the sexual orientation or gender identity of another person.

Like other districts, Barnett said Bloomfield Hills addresses requests by LGBT students on a case-by-case basis.

"The district administration involves the student's family and works with the family to arrive at an accommodation that is acceptable to the student and his or her family," she said. "If the district is able to do so, accommodations are provided based on the individual student's needs and requests Such accommodations may include referring to a student by his or her chosen name and gender, changing unofficial student records, such as a yearbook, and allowing the student to use the bathroom of the identified gender."

While Barnett said the district will review and consider the state guidelines when they are finalized, she said the district will "ultimately determine and approve the district policy."

Farmington Public Schools, which recently made headlines for its acceptance of a transgender student, doesn't have a formal policy outside of its non-discrimination policy that applies to all students, said Naomi Khalil, director of instructional equity for the district.

"In conjunction with Title IX law, we address each one on a case-by-case basis," she said. "We have an internal group of people working to make a guidance project

LBGT students who are bullied and harassed, studies show, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, feel excluded from the school community and experience lower academic achievement and stunted educational aspirations.

for procedure, but we allow Title IX and policy to guide that. They are working on that for counselors who took the lead on this so they have something to refer to."

Khalil said the district has had seven to 10 requests by gender transitioning students in the past few years.

"We do like to have a proactive approach, not reactive," she said. "A lot of districts like to wait until something happens, then react."

Bill Good, spokesman for Ferndale Public Schools said that's not the case in his school district; still, the district doesn't have a formal policy regarding transgender students.

"We don't have a lot of written policies, just because Ferndale is so awesome and welcoming, not to sound too Lego Movieesque," he said.

Ferndale Schools Superintendent Blake Prewitt said the board has a standard policy, but takes requests on a case-by-case basis.

"It hasn't been a problem. We have been very accommodating," he said. "Some students were interviewed the other week, and they said they feel very accepted here. It really hasn't been an issue here. We have a number of transgender students."

Prewitt said students, like much of the city, is an inclusive community.

"Our board president is a member of the LGBT community," he said. "As we talk to students, they love that its an accepting district. They don't experience bullying or anxiety if and when they come out. It's a very easy, normal process for out students.

That's the environment we created over the course of time."

Lilianna Angel Reyes, youth program manager with Affirmations in Ferndale, said the organization works with many metro Detroit schools to establish student organizations or training for teachers and counselors.

"We usually see – and this goes back to capitalism – that those with more resources can pay for speakers. It doesn't mean other districts don't do anything, but it's easier for them to get funding. So, especially those in the inner city,

they don't have as many initiatives or no money to put toward it. It's even more challenging for LGBT youth of color."

In regard to the state's proposed policy, Reyes said the guidelines are "amazing."

"We absolutely support it," she said. "What we are teaching the youth and schools is a best practice that most school districts incorporate," she said. "Everything we tell them is rhyming other federal policies. We say people should be be able to live their lives authentically. If I come to school and I want to be Bob, then I should be Bob and referred to as a he. Parents, teachers and schools that trump that don't allow a student to live as themselves."

Districts that don't provide equal protections for LGBT students could face problems in the future. While federal law regarding transgender rights has not been clearly defined by the highest courts, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights has defined fair and equal treatment for transgender students in relation to rights in areas such as student names and pronouns, restrooms, privacy, school records, student safety and dress codes.

"The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to address transgender people, but at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals there have been cases that have said transgender people have been discriminated against and have protections under sex discrimination," ACLU attorney Kaplan said.

In early April, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights confirmed it was investigating Bedford Public Schools in Monroe County for possible discrimination against transgender students. A spokesperson for the office told mlive.com that the case is the only one of its kind in Michigan.

Rachel Crandall, executive director and cofounder of Transgender Michigan, is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in transgender issues. Crandall said she believes the Michigan Board of Education's guidelines are crucial for LGBT students.

"Especially regarding restrooms," she said.

"Having children use the wrong restrooms, ones that don't really match who they are inside, it can be really traumatic. It really sets them apart from everyone else."

Under the state's proposed guidelines, the board of education recommends allowing students to use the restroom in accordance with their gender identity, which is considered a person's deeply held internal sense or psychological knowledge of their own gender, regardless of the biological sex they were assigned at birth. The policy

recommends that alternative and nonstigmatizing options, such as an all-gender or single-user restroom should be made available to students who request them, but not presented as the only option. Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of underlying reasons, has the right to access a single-user restroom.

The state's recommended guidelines are similar to GLSEN's model district policy on transgender and gender nonconforming students. However, the GLSEN policy recommends providing any students who want more privacy with alternatives, which could include a partition, curtain or private restroom or office. However, GLSEN states that requiring transgender students to use separate spaces threatens to publicly identify and marginalize the student and shouldn't be done unless requested by the student.

Crandall said she believes educating those opposing the proposed guidelines is key to providing protections to transgender students.

"Parents need to be educated to really understand (transgender people). Right now, the way they are thinking, it's like they are really not people like everyone else," she said.

"When I talk to people about it, especially other transgender kids and adults, there are some things they felt shame about their whole lives. Unfortunately, singling them out adds to the shame."

Roz Keith is an Oakland County mother of a transgender child who attends the Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield. Now 17 years-old, she said her son, Hunter, has been supported by the school and other students.

"We've been lucky," she said. "He's just another kid."

Keith said the school was able to resolve the bathroom issue quickly and without any pushback.

"It's a conservative school. There are defined gender roles, and they are OK with Hunter identifying as male," she said. "There has been no pushback, where as in other communities that may be a problem. In large part, the Jewish community has been accepting."

She said the school accepted Hunter's name and gender identity prior to making a legal change.

"As we got into ninth grade, he asked if we could pick a different name and use boy pronouns," she said. "It took a while for him to be comfortable asking teachers to change things. The school called me and said, 'Don't worry about school, let's make sure he's OK.' They wanted to do everything they could."

The Michigan Department of Education policy recommends that alternative and nonstigmatizing options, such as an all-gender or single-user restroom should be made available to students who request them, but not presented as the only option.

Keith has since founded Stand With Trans, a non-profit organization supporting transgender individuals. Keith's mother also facilitates a parent support group twice a month, which includes a variety of kids from different schools.

"When they aren't being supported and feeling anxious and stressed about not being accepted, their grades suffer and academics are in the toilet," she said. "It's very difficult to be successful...When they are allowed to transition, they are much less likely to harm themselves or engage in risky behavior.

"The dynamic of the entire person changes, and it's so simple. It's just being loved and supported by parents and at school. With that, they are no more likely to succumb to depression than anyone else."

Lisa, a mother of a transgender child who asked not to be identified, said her son transferred from a public school district in Oakland County, due to bullying he was receiving at school. Adding to the problem, she said it was initially difficult to find a specialist in the area to work with her son.

"It was about fourth grade when he started making verbal comments, that he wished he was a boy and that he didn't fit in," she said.

"I started to notice my happy child was becoming more depressed and angry, and that was heightened by 100 percent once he started middle school and puberty, and his body started changing in ways he didn't want it to. It was a very difficult and painful time for him and the rest of the family."

Rochester Hills counselor Dr. Don Sidelinker, who has focused on providing services for transgender patients for three decades, said he has worked with patients in their teens and as young as six years old.

"I have a procedure I follow. I have a 16year-old patient I started counseling at 14, and I counseled him to wait until he had his name legally changed because the schools don't have to follow their request," he said.

"That says to me that they are serious, not just saying 'I want to try it out.' And, I suggest they wait until they start hormones, so there

is a medical standing that they are under supervision and in the process of transitioning. I also provide them with a letter saying they are in transition and need to use the bathroom... If a school authorizes the use of a bathroom without legal changes or therapy, that works for me too, but I don't see all schools being able to follow that."

Daniel Shumer, a pediatric endocrinologist and director of the Adolescent Gender Management Program at CS Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, said once a child identifies as transgender, puberty becomes a difficult time for them.

"Their body starts developing in an opposite way than their gender identity," he said. "There has been an evolution on how to treat them. If a teen is in puberty and has a persistent gender identity disorder, you can use medication to suppress their puberty, and when they are older you can start cross hormones, meaning estrogen or testosterone, all in close contact with a mental health professional that has diagnosed gender dysphoria. We consider medications or start transitions if they are older."

Shumer said the protocol was developed in the Netherlands about two decades ago, and has been adopted across the country. From his personal perspective, Shumer said students transitioning tend to do better when they are in a supportive environment.

"Patients that come to see me are often struggling with anxiety, depression and feelings of rejection. When supported, I see how much better they do," he said. "It's helpful to affirm their identity. They start doing better in school and start getting better grades. I feel there has been a lot of progress in that area in the past few years, and I don't want to lose momentum."

Sidelinker said fears about students being at risk from transgender students using the same bathrooms as their peers are partially unfounded.

"The females transitioning to male aren't having problems. The boys don't care," he said.

"The problem is coming from the female who is genetically a male. They are the ones having a problem."

However, he said the biggest problem for transgender students is typically the ignorance.

"The child does know," he said. "I've done biological research, and the brain is already sexed long before the baby is born. Once that happens, you can't change the brain. The brains of transexual people are different even from the earliest age, based on more than 2,000 children involved in one study. That's what I know, but everyone doesn't' know that.

"The problem is the ignorance of the adult, not the child."

The Michigan Department of Education and state Board of Education’s proposed “Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Students,” has spurred nearly 9,000 comments from residents across the state, although many may be from the same respondents.

Several legislators from Oakland County took time to share their views with Downtown newsmagazine. The other Oakland County lawmakers failed to respond to repeated calls to their offices.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • Rep. Kathy Crawford (R-Lyon, Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake): no response.

• Rep. Joseph Graves (R-51st, Groveland, Fenton, Holly, Rose): “The State Board of Education’s misguided policy suggestions were made without any input from parents or educators. They go way beyond the scope of the board’s reach and take away important parental rights.”

transgender in the legislature, so we are missing that critical voice in this discussion.

“We are trying to figure out how best to address the needs of students. We can either make things better for transgender students, or we can make things worse – which is what I think the Casperson bill will do – or we can do nothing and let suicide rates excel. I prefer we do something.”

• Rep. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake, Milford, Highland, Springfield, Waterford): “I am firmly opposed to the construct of these guidelines, which are framed in protecting from danger these children who have various gender identities, but it goes way beyond the scope of the safety of these children and into social engineering and advocating calling them one name in front of the children and another in front of parents. In my view, it violates the rights of other students. I think it’s a policy rife with potential abuse from boys in particular who may want to take advantage of this.”

Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills) A spokesman for Webber said the Representative isn’t commenting on the guidelines at this time, but encourages people to comment on the policy at the department of education’s website.

• Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield): “As legislators, we should be doing everything we can to provide all of our state’s children with safe, secure and fully-funded schools that have the resources they need to provide an excellent education. It saddens me that instead of creating a safe learning environment for all students, we are being sidetracked with this unnecessary and narrow-minded proposal. We must make sure that all students are protected from intolerance and discriminatory practices, and feel comfortable in their learning environment.”

MICHIGAN SENATE

• Rep. Christine Greig (D-Farmington, Farmington Hills): “I personally applaud the Department of Education putting out these guidelines. We are trying to make Michigan a top state and grow the state. You don’t do that by excluding people. It’s another example of not living in the real world. That won’t help the economy or our sense of community. It’s playing on illogical fears.”

• Rep. Tim Greimel: (D-Auburn Hills, Keego, Orchard Lake, Pontiac, Sylvan Lake): “I encourage Senator Casperson to focus on adequately funding schools and improving academic achievement instead of picking on kids who are often bullied already.”

HOW LAWMAKERS REACT TO NEW SCHOOL POLICY FROM STATE

• Rep. Martin Howrylak (R 41st, Troy, Clawson): no response.

• Rep. Bradford Jacobsen (R-Addison, Brandon, Oakland, Orion, Oxford): no response.

• Rep. Klint Kesto (R-Commerce, Wixom, West Bloomfield): “We need to make sure parents are involved. Parents are the number one supporters of their children, and you’re creating a different scenario with this policy, and they should be involved. For the schools not to have to notify parents, I think, isn’t the correct policy.”

• Rep. Michael McCready (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield): “I still have more to learn about it, and want to hear from residents. I’m not sure what to make of it.”

• Rep. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin): “I think the Republican Party is a little too obsessed with bathrooms. Nobody is

• Rep. Jim Tedder (R-Clarkson, Independence Waterford, Lake Angelus): no response.

• Rep. Jim Townsend (D-Madison Heights, Royal Oak): “LGBTQ students face hardships and challenges that some lawmakers refuse to recognize, but it is important that we put ourselves in the shoes of every student and help provide an environment where every child feels safe, accepted and can learn and excel. Sen. Casperson’s bill fails to consider the circumstances that confront many LGBTQ students who are already twice as likely to be threatened at school. Research indicates that more than half of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school. The Board of Education is attempting to create a safer and more accepting environment for all students, while Sen. Casperson’s misguided legislation will only increase the hostility toward LGBTQ students.”

• Rep. Michael Webber (R-Oakland

• Sen. Vincent Gregory (D- Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield): no response.

• Sen. Marty Knollenberg (R-Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Royal Oak, Troy): no response.

• Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Lyon, Milford, Northville, Novi, Orchard Lake, South Lyon, Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, White Lake, Wixom) “We send our kids to school to learn, to prepare them for life and jobs, and not be in a position to be terrorized, afraid or made extremely uncomfortable. We need to stop and think about these things before we allow anything to happen. If they need to find accommodations, I think Tom (Casperson) is on the right track on that. The last thing you want to do, if you have a child in that situation, is turn it into a bullying situation.

We are doing all we can to stop bullying. I think this will just increase it. I think it will blow up at everyone’s face.”

• Sen. Jim Marleau (R-Addison, Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Independence, Keego, Oakland Township, Orion, Oxford, Pontiac, Southfield Township, Sylvan Lake, Clarkston): “Personally, I don’t have an opinion. I want to get more information, and we’ll learn as we go.”

• Sen. David Robertson (Brandon, Fenton, Groveland, Highland, Holly, Lake Angelus, Rose, Springfield, Waterford): Sen. Robertson said through a spokesman he did not support the proposal.

Ask for Holly or Larry Hohnholt holly.hohnholt@gmail.com

Downtown Rochester

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FACES Kris Kaczor ochester native Kris Kaczor was 21 when he decided to take a 3,000-mile motorcycle trip across the country during what he called a "very early midlife-crisis." Finding an early 1970's Honda CB 750, he and a friend set out to tour the nation.

"It had a squeaky front-brake caliper for about 3,000 miles, and I couldn't get it fixed," he said. "I felt that if I could persevere through that, then anything is possible."

The trip, and the motorcycle, were inspiration for the 1994 Rochester High School graduate's film and music production company, 750 Productions, which he runs from his home in Brooklyn, New York. Much of Kaczor's routine work involves commercial editing, which he said basically serves to fund other projects, such as his latest film, "Divide in Concord."

"The traditional route is finding funding beforehand," he said about the filmmaking process. "For some reason, I haven't done that. I've written grants and tried to go that road, but there's something about working for the money and then spending it, which keeps me broke, but I like that process better."

Based on Concord, Massachusetts resident Jean Hill's work to have the sale of water bottles banned in the city, the documentary follows the story of the 84-year-old widow and mother of four. After a previous failed attempt, Hill is able to emerge victorious in her battle. But not everyone is pleased with her environmental efforts. The film has gained attention at several film festivals, including Michael Moore's festival in Traverse City. In March, the full-length documentary aired on The World Channel's America ReFramed series.

"I kind of went down a rabbit hole thinking about water," he said. "Anything to do with water, I would focus on it. I was in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle for a festival," he said.

"I read Jean's story before I left, and it was sitting in my brain. There was a woman on the voyage who said, 'You need to go back to Brooklyn and go back and do a piece on that little old lady who was trying to ban water bottles,' because I was talking about it so much."

While Kaczor said he grew up shooting video, he got serious about the medium after graduating from Michigan State University and teaching for about five years.

"I taught Spanish for five years and then realized the educational system wasn't doing too well, and a lot of people were being pushed out by design, and I didn't see my career as being much different," he said.

Looking for a change, Kaczor attended the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan, in Troy, where he earned a degree in film/cinema and video studies. Drawing on his studies at MSU and his desire to inspire social change, Kaczor looked to the film industry to express new ideas. While he had made narrative films before, he said documentaries offer a chance to sway opinions.

"With documentaries, it was on the idea of social change," he said. "I was a sociology minor, and I wanted to effect change in an idealistic way that every college kid wants to do, how 'look at how that is going to happen,'" he said. “I was seeing like 200 kids a week through teaching, and I started seeing patterns. I realized you can sprinkle these ideas of social change and the best way to do that was film."

R

Story: Kevin Elliott

Mahir Osman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center.

Inset: Imam Mohamed Almasmari of the Muslim Unity Center.

Downtown photos: Jean Lannen

LOCAL MUSLIM CENTERS LEADERS TALK RELIGION, YOUTH RADICALIZATION, ISLAMOPHOBIA AND THE CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE

oo often the object of fear and derision, true followers of Islam assert the religion is one of love, respect, and peace. It is also one of three religions, including Christianity and Judaism, which come from the same roots. They are called the “Abraham religions,” because they each trace their history back to Abraham, first mentioned in the Hebrew bible, or Old Testament. Muslims believe that Moses and Jesus are prophets, as well as their prophet Muhammad. Around the world, there are 1.6 billion adherents of the Muslim faith, or 23 percent of the global population. While there are tens of thousands of Muslims in Michigan, according to the U.S. Census for 2010, there were just under 10,000 Muslims in Oakland County.

T

Downtown News Editor Lisa Brody met with Imam Mohamed Almasmari, religious leader of the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Township, which first opened in 1993, and Mahir Osman, secretary of public affairs at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center in Rochester Hills, to talk to them about the religion, how the faith has been “hijacked” by radical, gang-like, forces, what they encounter in their local communities, the current political climate, and if Muslims lean politically Republican or Democratic.

What is your personal background?

ALMASMARI: I am a father of three, I was raised in Detroit, went to Toronto for a few years and then studied in Yemen for about eight years, and that’s where I got my master’s in Islamic Law. I always planned to come back here. This is my home. My family is all here.

Michigan is my home.

I’m also the executive director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council, the MMCC. It’s a non-profit. What we do is interfaith events, civic engagement, we have a youth council, we have imam’s council – there are over 100 imams in the metro Detroit area. We just address our concerns, how to overcome challenges. We don’t go into politics, but we do get to meet our political representatives, express our concerns.

OSMAN: I grew up in Windsor, Ontario, for the first 13 years of my life, and then we moved to the area – I live in Macomb, although I work here in Oakland County. My family, though, was raised in East Africa. My parents – my mother, and my father, who now resides in London – my parents divorced when I was very young – their parents and their grandparents all were born and raised in East Africa, in Kenya. We originated in India, and our families continuously married within the same ethnicity, but they were all born and raised in Africa.

When my mother was 12 years old, that’s when a lot of the African nations began gaining independence, so being loyal to Britain, my family then migrated to Great Britain. My mother went to school in London; from there, went to Canada; then Canada, here to the States.

I, myself, I am a spiritual person – maybe not as much as I really should be – but I think everyone would say that. We all have our personal jihad – because that’s what jihad means, struggle. When you’re waging a jihad, you’re waging a struggle for the betterment of yourself and for the betterment of mankind. So if individuals say they are going to wage a jihad and kill innocent individuals, where’s the betterment in that?

Our readers need to understand the nature or purpose of the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Township and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center in Rochester Hills. What are the centers’ purposes and what activities take place here?

ALMASMARI: I think the purpose of our centers, regardless of the religious nature, is to serve the community and to serve their needs.

Basically, to cater to them. The activities that take place are service activities, where we serve our communities. So you could begin with exercise, youth activities, basketball, private classes, tutoring, lectures. We have a cafe so youth can get together. It’s pretty large – it can fit over 100 people. We try to make it a welcoming environment where people can come and feel it’s their home. It’s their home away from home. We have a male youth director and a female youth director, so if anyone has challenges – it could be drug challenges, alcohol challenges, whatever it is, we try to provide services to accommodate our community.

OSMAN: I am an elected official (not a spiritual leader) with the Ahmadiyya Center of Metro Detroit. Our calipha heads the entire community. Each country has what is called an emir, that is elected

by a congressional body within that country. That emir has his own cabinet. Each director, or national secretary, they have different offices or departments, like public affairs, outreach, moral training, education, a secretary of finance. From there, each individual chapter elects their own president and each cabinet position as well. I’ve been elected to serve as the secretary of public affairs for the Ahmadiyya community. This center has been here since 2008.

Can you explain what is the basis of the Muslim religion? There are five pillars of Islam; what are they, and how do they define the faith? How does Islam differ from Christianity and Judaism, and what are its similarities, since the three share similarities?

ALMASMARI: There are many ways to look at the Muslim faith.

The foundation that Islam is based on, you have five major pillars: the first one is to bear witness that there is no God but God, and Muhammad is the last messenger of God; accepting all the prophets, beginning with Adam all the way to Moses and Jesus.

Then you go to the second pillar which is prayer. We do pray five times a day, to show appreciation, to stay connected to God, to distance ourselves from that which is wrong. So it’s a constant reminder.

Number three, Muslims do have to gift 2.5 percent of their savings per year, for the less fortunate, for those in need, whatever your religious background, your ethnic background. Basically going and giving to those who live in poverty.

Number four, we fast once a year, for a complete month, and we begin from dawn to sunset, even liquids. People do find it challenging, but for Muslims, it’s become part of who they are. You find young children who don’t have to fast who force it upon themselves, just to be part of the whole community. And the last pillar is that Muslims must go to Hajj once in their lifetime, if they’re physically and financially able to travel, then they must fulfill the last pillar. If they are not, then of course, they are forgiven for not performing the pilgrimage.

We always tell people that reading is beyond important – it shows how much we have in common. In terms of the basic teachings of Islam, I don’t see any differences from Christianity and Judaism whatsoever. It’s very, very similar, and that’s why they were able to co-exist for so many thousands of years. In Jerusalem, they were able to live together for over 1,000 years. And before that, they were able to co-exist. There’s a lot of commonalities. What brings us together is more than what we differ in. There’s few differences in theology, but in terms of hold in good character, love one another, sacrificing, obtaining high goals in life, receiving the right education, loving your neighbor, everything is very similar.

OSMAN: We are the Ahmadi Muslims, we are Muslims who believe in the Messiah, beyond India. (Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) was a reformer, a prophet, who we believe came to reform the Muslim people in 1889. To put it in comparative terms, we know that in the Jewish religion, Moses brought the law, he brought the Torah. There were other Jewish prophets afterwards that didn’t change the Jewish religion – it was just the Jews were going astray, so the Jews had to be brought back to the fold. So prophets were anointed to bring them back to the fold. In a similar sense, prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, brought the religion of Islam, brought the Quran, brought that law, and Mirza Ghulam was a reformer because Muslims were going astray, to bring them back to that fold. Ending religious wars, ending this idea of jihad being anything to do with terrorism, saying the time of the sword is over, saying now the jihad is the pen. Now we must educate and be peaceful individuals. After his demise, a caliphate has been instituted, so we have a central instituted leader, who resides in London, England. We’re currently on our fifth calipha. I say we’re the Catholics of the Muslim world, because we have a spiritual head and an organizational structure. We know all of our members

all across the world. We’re established in over 200 countries. Here in the United States, we have over 72 different chapters. And I know everyone in the Columbus chapter, and the L.A. chapter, Chicago, New York, Florida, all over the place. We’re constantly having national events where we get together.

Many people believe that all Muslims are Arabs, but there are actually followers of Islam all over the world, isn’t that correct?

How many Muslims are currently in the United States? In the metro Detroit area? In Oakland County? Is the community growing and if so, is the growth organic or because of Muslims moving to the area from other countries?

ALMASMARI: They say around 7.5 million (in the U.S.). I don’t really know (in the metro area) – I know they’re in the hundreds of thousands.

First of all, there are a number of converts, people coming in from other countries. Communities like this, people love, they’re attracted to it. Understanding the safety of it, within the location, understanding the mosque, the community, the school district – so there’s a lot that attracts people to come to this city and neighboring cities.

Eighty-three percent of Muslims are not Arabs. People always get that wrong. We’re the minority. Most come from southeast Asia. The perception is always Arabs.

OSMAN: Correct. Our community was started in India, so the majority of our membership of our followers are Indo/Pakistani. But we have individuals who are of Arab descent as well, African American, even Chinese. We even have a missionary effort in Mexico right now, so we’re having a lot of Latino converts. But our headquarters are in London, and that is where our calipha resides. The reason for that is because we are very heavily persecuted in the Muslim world, because we believe in this prophet who came after prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, we are considered heretic. So even the nation of Pakistan declared us non-Muslims through their constitution. Because of that, we are consistently and heavily persecuted.

Our fourth calipha, at the time, had to leave, in exile, and migrate to London.

Can you explain what a caliphate is? It’s been misinterpreted perhaps as something negative, when it really isn’t.

OSMAN: A caliphate basically means successorship. A comparison again: papacy. There’s the institution of constantly electing a leader then for the Catholic people. In a similar sense, when the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, died, there were four who we rightly refer to as caliphs. And these individuals were leaders, the heads of the Muslim world. From a spiritual sense and a political sense as well, because at that time, Muslims held power over territories.

After the demise of our prophet, Mirza Ghulam, that caliphate was reinstituted. We believe that caliphate is what brings people together. It actually creates that unity. We have tens of millions of followers worldwide, and not one instance of terrorism within our community. Not one instance of youth radicalization. Why is that?

Because we believe the spiritual leader is guided by God, and he shows us what the true message of Islam is, and the true peaceful message of Islam. By following that one leader and that one calipha, we’re able to be better and more righteous human beings.

The caliph has to abide by the religious mandates. When you compare (our leader’s) mandates, who has spoken on Capital Hill, in front of the Dutch parliaments, spoken in front of the European Union, who has constantly denounced terrorism, who has lived a life of righteousness and promoted that peace, obviously he is an example of what the religion of Islam is – versus the calipha that ISIS has now instituted.

If Islam believes in peace, and promotes peace, but all you see is mayhem and destruction from that individual, then he is not a calipha. That is just from a rational standpoint.

Our religion teaches us there should be a separation between mosque and state, that individuals should not be forced to follow a religion if they do not abide by that religion, and the state has no power to institute something like that. It’s just a spiritual successorship to be for the Muslims, not on a totalitarian scale.

Explain the Quran, which is considered the Word of God by those who follow the religion, and how it is different from the Christian Bible.

ALMASMARI: Muslims do believe in the holy scriptures. We believe the Quran was sent to address certain challenges within the community of the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in coming generations. When you read the Quran, it was not just rules but incidents that took place that the Quran addressed. Of course, you will find differences. We have many stories of prophets in the Quran. Moses is mentioned more times than Mohammed in the Quran. Jesus, peace be upon him, is mentioned more times than Muhammad in the Quran. Abraham more times; Ishmael – all the prophets are frequently mentioned. But other verses in the Quran were revealed to the Prophet, peace be upon him, to address certain issues, so people would ask him, and the Prophet would respond with revelations. He would respond on intoxication, or gambling, and God would answer right away.

People might find verses in the Quran where military force can be used, and people say, “Oh, this is a violent religion.” The Quran goes beyond spiritual guidance. It is also a foundation for a Muslimgoverned country, where it says if you are being attacked, it says it is permissible for you to defend yourself. (It talks about consequences.) So people find these verses useful, where a simple person who lives in Bloomfield Hills, or another community, would just implement those verses. But those verses are no longer taken as clear rules because that’s a constitution for an existing country.

That’s where people go wrong when they hear about fighting in the Quran, and they think it’s personal. No, it’s not. There’s a long story behind it that explains how Islam does allow military force at certain times.

For example, Quran tells if you are attacked you have the right to defend yourself. It doesn’t say you have the right to kill. If you speak to a large group of people, to a country that has a ruler, that has a system, that is respected by countries around the world, like America, the second right in our Constitution is the right to bear arms. (It’s interpretation.) And, like everything, it’s there for a reason. You can’t say America is a violent country. But it needs someone who is not biased, who understands the circumstances, and is able to explain it, where there may be some disagreements, but there is always a middle ground.

I understand that from an early age you memorized it completely. Is that an unusual accomplishment, or one that all imams must do? How long is it, to memorize? What is an imam, versus a sheik, or an ayatollah, or an allamah, or a mufti? You are an imam and a sheik?

ALMASMARI: Yes. No – people do it. It’s very common. And that’s part of our preservation for the Quran. We do completely memorize the book from cover to cover. It took me four years. But I wasn’t consistent. I was a kid. I was like 11. But it was just like afternoon classes, where my dad would take us off the streets for like an hour.

It’s not like, this guy has a good imam future. It has nothing to do with that. A lot of kids memorize the Quran. A lot of kids. Here, we have at least 30, 40. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, we’re not going to guard him at basketball, he’s too special.’ That wasn’t the case.

An ayatollah is in the Shia tradition, it’s more of their man of

reference that they completely submit to – his ideologies, his opinions, his schools of thought. For imam, sheik, that goes back to the culture, the tradition. Some people just call people imam, sheiks. And mufti also goes back to the age and the culture. They’re all words that have the same meaning.

I look at myself as just Mohamed, a normal person.

How does your congregation look at you?

ALMASMARI: Both. Mohamed and Imam. It’s a scholar, a leader, because imam comes from the word “leadership.”

Although the Quran is considered the sacred scriptures dating back to the 7th Century with the Prophet Muhammad and the Word of God, are there various interpretations of the Quran?

ALMASMARI: There are (different interpretations). In the last three months I have been part of interfaith events, and even the English interpretation is very poor. I had never read the Quran with this English interpretation – I just started a month and a half ago. Just trying to realize how many people are misled with all these interpretations that add more words. I find it troubling. It’s done by Muslim scholars, and they’re doing it to add more clarity.

OSMAN: It tends to be, unfortunately. That is one thing, also, why a unified leadership is important, and having true, proper scholars that are able to understand the meanings of verses is very important.

The problem we are having today isn’t so much of widening opinions of interpretations of scriptures – what we see today are illiterate individuals that do not read or understand scripture in parts of the world, and their Muslim leaders, who are looking just for power and money and more influence, whatever that may be, so they utilize religion to incite those individuals.

I’ll give you an example. In the Quran, there’s a verse, “Slay the non-believers where they lay.” There are verses that say that. You see the verse, and mind you, it’s not just non-Muslim Islamophobes quoting it, it’s terrorists themselves quoting it. So both the terrorists and these individuals who don’t understand Islam – one thing that they are missing out on or forgetting is the verse directly before, and the verse directly after, that specifically describes and discusses the times of war. It’s talking about self-defense.

So when it gives permission to “defend against those who have wronged you is given, but if they have stopped fighting, God has given you no right to transgress against them.” Why does it have the word transgress? Transgress is an opposing force. It’s doing something first. Harming some individual. If somebody comes up to me and starts waling on me on the head and starts punching me, and I end up punching them and accidentally snapping his neck, that’s self-defense. I have every right to defend myself. I can kill an individual if he is attacking me, if I am in fear of my life. That is the meaning and the intent. But individuals are now trying to interpret it in a different way. What they are doing is just getting more power and more influence, and they’re influencing young individuals who are illiterate, uneducated and don’t know any better.

We often witness the public debate as to whether Islam is a peaceful religion or a religion that calls for the elimination of all those who are not Muslims – does that mean that there are different sects within Islam or that various religious leaders in the Muslim community have varying interpretations of the Word of God, much like we witness in the Christian community? The most ready example of possible divisions within the Islamic community would be the Islam subscribed to by the leaders of Saudi Arabia.

ALMASMARI: In history, there were always communities that promoted violence, or utilized religion to fulfill personal agendas, and that’s the struggle of our generation. We’re struggling with it.

Quran has always promoted leadership, generosity. If you look at Muslims just in Michigan, and look at their donations to the people of Flint, the people of Detroit, it’s all motivated from the teachings of Holy Scripture.

Can you explain how some members of the Islamic faith are able to use the Quran to justify the violence we see around the world as something that is ordained by God? ALMASMARI: You’ll have people who will take anything and use it for their own personal benefit. The force of religious evidence is very powerful. To understand what these individuals are going through, or what they’re promoting, you have to understand their situation.

Understanding that sometimes they’re uneducated. If they are educated, they are individuals who went through certain challenges where these challenges were not addressed nor the community showed them any attention, so they decided to travel. Some of them were fooled, understanding this was the only way towards forgiveness, and you’ll have some leaders who are well-equipped to attract youth, to get these people in.

The youth, I could say they are innocent. But the leadership is not. I think everyone knows who they are and what they stand for, and the evil they carry in their message.

OSMAN: I attribute it to gang mentality.

If we go down to downtown Detroit, if we were to go to Harlem, to Chino, Pontiac, to any of the urban, unfortunate areas, where there’s a lot of crime and a lot of uneducated individuals, and they’re put in situations where they really should not be – you look at the mindset of youth when he decides to join a gang, because they’re in a position where they have no food, or they have no family, no education, no structure and no prospects to their life. It’s not even that, “Oh, I don’t want to do this, but I have to.” They start finding acceptance and purpose in something greater. They find this family of a gang. And they now feel important. Significant. It’s “I’m going to take it because others took it away from me.”

Mirror that with what’s going on in the Middle East. You have individuals who are significantly undereducated. They’re illiterate, living in slums, living in areas that are very unfortunate, for them to do the exact same things – it makes sense, rationally. They’re going to cling to something. These individuals are going to cling to religion. When you have religious leaders who are peddling radicalization, it’s a power struggle, it’s money. They utilize them and tell them, “It’s the Jews that are the ones that put you in this situation.” “The Americans are the ones that put you in this type of situation. Death to America.” “Why don’t you take this bomb, go kill yourself, and give me all your money, everything you have left.”

The way that I see it, if all these leaders, ISIS, if they truly believed you were going to be getting 72 virgins by blowing yourself up, they’d be doing it. Why aren’t they?

How as a cleric or a leader do you explain the radicalization of a faction in the name of Islam? Is that part of the Quran? Does ISIS represent Islam, or have they hijacked your religion?

ALMASMARI: I always tell people there is no Islamic institution or great scholar that has approved ISIS and its doings and its actions.

That’s number one. Number two, to show you how bad ISIS is, Al Quaeda itself has denounced ISIS – like, it can’t get any worse, if Quaeda denounces you for your actions. They are fighting ISIS because of the corruption they are causing in certain countries.

Number three, I don’t think there are any victims on the face of this planet that are more victimized by ISIS than Muslims. The last United Nations number are that Muslims are eight to nine times more victimized by ISIS than anyone else in this world. The Syrians, the Iraqis, the Iranians, in Turkey. The list goes on. Boko Haram, part of ISIS – they’re attacking Muslims.

What saddens me is that people no longer look at human soul as human soul. I think to address this issue we have to look at it from all of its angles, and allow the Muslim community to take part in addressing this challenge, because without the Muslim community ISIS will not be solved.

I remember when Clinton, I don’t remember if it was Bill or Hillary, said that one of four people walking this earth are Muslim, so you do find peaceful people, people who open their own businesses, people who go about their own lives. American Muslims hold 10 percent of American doctors. These people are serving their communities – just the free clinics that we have. The volunteerism.

These are challenging times we have to go through with sincerity.

OSMAN: I won’t give them the satisfaction of saying they’ve hijacked my religion. I am a Muslim. Islam is a religion of peace. If they are not following what Islam is teaching, by not being peaceful individuals, by not loving their fellow man, by not adhering to what prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, that the Christians should never be harmed and touched – then they are not following what true Islam is. And I’m not going to give them the time of day to say they have anything to do with Islam.

I will definitely speak out against them. Condemn them to the fullest extent, and do my best to teach the general public what true Islam is, and teach our youth what true Islam is. But I am not going to acknowledge them by giving them even a smidgeon of what they are doing has anything to do with Islam.

In plainest terms, yes, they’ve hijacked Islam. But they don’t speak for Islam. I pity them.

A fear for many Americans, and I have read, of many American Muslims, was realized when it was discovered that Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the San Bernardino shooters, or the Tsarnaev brothers of the Boston Marathon bombing, had been self-radicalized. What do you believe compels an American born or American-raised Muslim to radicalize? How often is that happening?

ALMASMARI: Sometimes it’s what they watch. I know for a fact these people who were radicalized were not consistently going to mosques. They were people who decided to just live their own lives.

You would see things in common with these people. One is that they had to go through certain challenges. Two, none of them knew much about the religion to begin with. You could see by their appearances, or they way they acted, the way they would speak. (They were not becoming more religious) – not at all. They were people who had access to certain websites. The common factor was they were not going to mosques, where they could listen to a religious leader who could empower them, or maybe address their challenges, or if they came up with these radical ideas, let’s address them as community members. More lost souls.

OSMAN: This is something that we have been trying to tackle for some time. Our youth association came out with a seminar symposium called Stop the CrISIS. We talk specifically about youth radicalization and how youths become radicalized. It doesn’t have to do with religion; it has to do with being disenfranchised. Not being satisfied with the way one may see it.

Was Timothy McVeigh tortured as a young kid? Was he abused?

Was he part of a gang? They say you step on a cat’s tail, and you wonder why he’s shrieking. Did he have a cat’s tail? I have no idea. We don’t know what goes through the mind set of a crazy individual. That’s why it’s important for Muslims to properly teach their youth what the religion teaches. And be nurturing. Be loving to those youth. To your children. Here at the mosque, we’re one

big family. I’m in charge of these children just as much as anyone else might be. We have an active youth group. We try to show our youth there is more than just video games and television. It’s giving back to mankind. It’s doing what you can to your fellow human beings.

Do many American Muslims identify with the desire to reject westernization and want to go back to the Middle East, or to strike back utilizing terrorism against western targets and people, or is it an isolated segment?

ALMASMARI: I’ve never seen one, and I’ve been around a long time. What I think is, you might have people who say, “I want to live in the Middle East.” I don’t want to deny that. Which is their right because that’s more of their home. But the general public, 99.99 percent, they’re here to stay here. This is what they call home. They no longer look at the Middle East as home. I graduated as a judge in the Middle East, and I left all of that to live here. This is my home. I can’t relate to the Middle East whatsoever, even though I go there frequently. I don’t see myself there. I always tell people I would go crazy if I lived there. This is my home, where I feel comfortable, where I see myself living for the rest of my life.

OSMAN: There’s 1.7 billion Muslims in this world; there’s millions in the United States, and every time a terrorist attack occurs, it hurts, it’s terrible, and we condemn it to the fullest extent. We don’t want to limit the importance of an attack like that happening, and how much we need to come together.

As terror attacks occur overseas, suck as in Paris and Brussels, does that create a feeling of wariness or fear amongst your community, that there could be attacks upon local Muslims as a backlash or retaliation?

ALMASMARI: Not really. Here, in the Michigan area, we just hope that things calm down. Every time something happens, I don’t think people realize what we have to go through as a community. We have to deal with these physical attacks, and at the same time, we go through the ‘real world,’ and we have all of these emotional attacks, verbal attacks. It’s very hurtful for many people.

OSMAN: At times, yes. Our mosque in Connecticut, after San Bernardino, an individual shot at it a couple of times. The individual, who was arrested and charged, met with our leadership there, apologized, and (later) was a speaker at the symposium there, and again apologized. It was very emotional because obviously, we’re very saddened by what he had done, but for him to come out and apologize and ask for forgiveness, who are we not to forgive?

We are always fearful of these things happening, which is why we maintain security as much as possible, but at the same time, we have to keep opening our doors to anyone and everyone who wishes to come in.

What is the reaction in the Muslim community when officials call for at least a temporary halt to Muslims being allowed to enter America and that perhaps there should be increased surveillance of the Muslim community?

ALMASMARI: The reaction goes back to the educational level of each person that is reacting. You have people that go, “Oh my god, what is happening!” And you have others who know it is a political stunt.

People forget we have a Constitution. It’s not about what one person says.

OSMAN: When it comes to certain comments about “banning Muslims from entering the country” – forget the fact that it’s just completely unconstitutional and goes against the fabric of our nation – especially when our nation was formed by individuals who were escaping religious persecution in Europe – I would ask a politician, if an American, Muslim soldier is serving overseas,

fighting and dying for this country, are you going to then say, no, they cannot come back in this country?

It’s ludicrous and it’s fallacy.

Yes, security is very, very important. Yes, it’s important to have background checks.

Regarding surveillance, first, the responsibility of Muslims leaders is to be always 100 percent open, their doors are 100 percent open, sermons 100 percent open. Yes, you need to know what is happening in mosques and houses of worship. If a house of worship is open, then the responsibility is to be open. FBI, you want to come in? We’re not doing anything, come in.

With that being said, you cannot marginalize or intimidate, a group of people that you need assistance from. You want their cooperation. It’s not practical, and it’s dehumanizing.

With the current political campaigns, has there been greater prejudices against Muslims – the “Trump effect”? What is the current climate in Oakland County? Do you feel isolated, or welcome and part of the community at large? Do you encounter Islamophobia, either subtly or overtly? How? ALMASMARI: Of course. The disapproval of Muslims now in the U.S. raised from less than 20 percent to over 60-some percent. And when I say raised from, I mean from 9/11. There’s more towards Muslims now than what they faced (after) 9/11.

What shocks me is that, of course there is a lot of support. I’ve had calls, I had Rabbi (Mark) Miller (Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township) that spoke here, and everyone was able to address these issues. There is some kind of support where you find Islamophobia.

In Oakland County, we’re blessed. I think it’s more of a race issue than a religious issue.

In the United States, where we are supposed to have religious freedom for all, what are Muslims experiencing in 2016? Is your community finding acceptance, or bigotry? As our children are being raised in a multi-cultured world, with its encouragement of assimilation, is there mutual respect and tolerance among the younger generation, or are there cliques and isolation? Do many Muslim youths attend local public schools?

ALMASMARI: Most of the Muslim youth here go to public schools.

(With bigotry or acceptance), it matters what school they’re in, the understanding. In Bloomfield, we’re blessed where we have the RDJ – the Religious Diversity Journey – and they come and visit different places of worship, and that breaks a lot of barriers. Here, it’s very good.

Jewish kids are more picked on than Muslim kids. I always tell people, if you look at who’s more bullied in schools, among the religious communities, you come to realize the Jewish community is. You have our Jewish youth who are struggling, to hold onto their Jewish identity, being teased and made fun of. We try to empower our youth and teach them. I always tell our Muslim youth, you’re not an exception. You’re not special – why do you expect that special treatment? It’s the identity you carry within, and being selfconfident.

OSMAN: Here in the metro Detroit area, so much acceptance. We are so proud, and we are blessed, in fact, to be living in this metro Detroit area. There are many places in this country – many places in the world, in fact – Ahmadi Muslims would be killed by calling themselves Ahmadi Muslims. We are so blessed and so loyal to this country that gives us this freedom. And to be in this tri-county area, where you go on the streets and pass out a flyer that say “Muslims believe in peace.” And they say, “Yeah. Of course they do. Leave me alone. I’ve got work to do.” And for the most part, it’s “Alright, it’s cool, don’t worry about it man. Want to have dinner with us, man?”

We’re very, very lucky to be living in communities like this. But there’s always those nut jobs.

I’ve always thought the younger generation is more open-minded

than the older generation. For better or for worse, our society is moving towards total acceptance of a lot of things. You can have a young Muslim child, a young Jewish child, and a young Christian child – teenagers, and the three of them can have their discussions, and have fun discussing things, and at the end, it’s let’s go grab a bite to eat. It’s so beautiful to see that in a pluralistic society.

The majority attend public schools.

What can either the Muslim community or the community atlarge do to provide for greater understanding of Muslims and Islam and create more of a welcoming assimilation of Muslims into the general community?

OSMAN: TrueIslam.com. We feel it will be a deterrent to youth radicalization and combatting that ideology. The objective of this campaign is to show 11 specific points of what Islam believes in, and show what ISIS believes. We can cite parts of the holy Quran and sayings of the prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, that prove each of these points. It’s literally combatting this ideology, to combat what ISIS is putting out there. And it’s not just for nonMuslims – it’s for Muslims, as well.

Traditionally, Muslims as a demographic group have aligned themselves with the more traditional values of the Republican Party, with a majority backing former Pres. George W. Bush.

Recent bigotry shown by some Republican candidates is suspected of moving many Muslims to lean more Democratic with the past two presidential elections, and in the 2016 primary season, pundits note that the Muslim community is shifting toward the Democrats, with 59 percent of Dearborn’s Arab population voting for Bernie Sanders in Michigan’s primary. Are you seeing that shift reflected within the local Oakland County Muslim community?

ALMASMARI: Yep. You have a lot of Muslims that are part of the Republican Party, but recently a lot of them have changed their direction for political reasons. We don’t promote that as a non-profit, but you do see that shift.

Who wouldn’t? Sometimes you sense the hatred. You can see it.

At the end of the day, people are people. They make their own decisions, they see what’s best for their own families. People want to co-exist. People want to see bright futures for their children, and that’s a very simple movement, moving from one party to another.

It’s not a life-changing step.

OSMAN: Yes, 60 percent of Muslims voted for President George W. Bush.

I would say that shift is reflective all over the United States. It’s obvious that many, and a majority, of Muslims, were leaning more towards being Republican, were right wing, because they believe in fiscal responsibility, they believe in hard work, in family values, Scan for audio more of those social values. But there are also Imam Mohamed those Muslims who believe in the welfare Almasmari interview. system, that the state should care for individuals in other aspects as well.

But when certain political candidates, such as Mr. Cruz and Mr. Trump, come out with this kind of rhetoric, with this kind of pushback to the Muslim community, as a Muslim it’s very hard to support. Some of the things Sarah Palin Scan for audio said (in 2008) were very hard to take. I wanted Mahir Osman John McCain. But no, I’m sorry, when you see interview. the acceptance and loving nature of one side over the other – obviously people are going to gravitate to one side.

The worst thing the GOP can do is marginalize the Muslim people, to make them feel they are being belittled, to call them enemies.

They’re losing votes by doing it.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip items, both on and off-the-record, compiled by staff members of Downtown. Possible items for this column can be sent to OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

DOWNWARD SPIRAL: The month of March was not a good time for Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who found his standing with the Michigan public plummeting from the start of the year and his inclusion in a Fortune magazine piece on the world’s most disappointing leaders.

In a late March EPIC-MRA of Lansing poll of voters, Snyder snagged a 69 percent negative job performance rating and a 75 percent negative rating on how he is handling the Flint leadtainted water crisis. A full 52 percent of voters in the poll gave him an overall unfavorable rating.

Then, to add to his misery, Fortune magazine’s editors placed him among the 19 most disappointing leaders in the SNYDER world. Snyder’s ranking appeared under the headline of “Don’t Blame Me, I’m Just The Governor Award,” noting how the embattled Michigan leader seemed to be shifting blame at earlier congressional hearings by blasting the EPA and the “dumb and dangerous” federal rules governing lead in water systems. In early April, Snyder continued the blame game by criticizing “state bureaucrats” in his administration for the Flint fiasco. Snyder was in good company for the Fortune disappointing leaders piece, sharing the limelight with the likes of the former chairman of Volkswagen; the CEO of YAHOO; and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Snyder’s woes are cascading in the halls of the House and Senate where one lawmaker labeled him as “toxic” and someone from which party members were trying to get some distance.

5/9/16

BLOOD IN THE WATER: A March 21st blurb in Politico noted that “National Democrats say they’re...looking closely at freshman Rep. Dave Trott’s seat outside Detroit.” Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills), was first elected to Michigan’s 11th District seat in 2014, taking out accidental congressman Kerry Bentivolio, who lucked into his seat when former Rep. Thad McCotter’s staffers were found to have forged signatures on filing petitions. The seat, which had been gerrymandered to protect the seat as a Republican one for McCotter, is being targeted by local Democrats, as is Rep. Mike Bishop’s seat in the 8th District (Rochester, Rochester TROTT Hills). So say Oakland County Republican and Democratic party chairs. Theresa Mungioli, Oakland County Republican Chairperson, said, “ I don’t know if they’re being targeted nationally, but I do know that both Trott and Bishop are gearing up for a tough election season. With the redistricting, both are stronger Republican seats, but depending on who is at the top of the ticket, it could help or hurt candidates lower down the ticket, even countywide.”

She said Bentivolio, a Tea Partier and reindeer farmer who was decimated

by Trott’s financial might in the August 2014 primary, had been circulating petitions to run against him once again in this August’s primary. “And we know Melissa Gilbert (Democratic actress who now lives in Holly) is running against Mike Bishop in that district,” Mungioli said.

Oakland County Democratic Chair Frank Houston said Dr. Anil Kumar of Rochester Hills, who filed to run against Trott, “has built his business on helping people; David Trott built his on preying on people. We’re working on getting creative to get BISHOP their names out.”

The reality is, according to Houston, when McCotter was in office, “he designed his district to be safe – but it’s not so safe anymore. Even though it’s a Republican-leaning district, it’s winnable for a Democrat, as long as you can hold a Republican to their record. There’s a high likelihood that the xenophobic, crazy things Donald Trump says could have trouble down ballot for those running. Oakland County voters tend to be more purple than blue or red, especially in these targeted districts.” downtownpublications.com

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LOOKING AHEAD: While Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alta) Odescribes herself as a fourth generation farmer (the family farm has been in her family for four generations), it’s really politics that runs in her family’s veins.

Posthumus Lyons, daughter of former Lieutenant Gov. Dick Posthumus (1999-2002), and the Republican who lost to Jennifer Granholm in 2002, is married to a Kent County deputy sheriff, and is a state House representative since 2010, where she beat off Tea Party challengers in 2012 and 2014. On April 11, she filed for her next job – Kent County Clerk, for the 2016 LYONS election. Still, there are persistent rumblings that she is also looking ahead to the 2018 election, and an open Secretary of State seat, and avidly raising money. Sources note she is financed by the DeVos family.

“They’re all floating trial balloons, looking to see what sticks,” said Oakland County Republican Chairperson Theresa Mungioli, who said she too, had heard Posthumus Lyons is looking at the Secretary of State position.

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NEVER TOO EARLY: As rumors swirl around whether Oakland resident Ruth Johnson, now the Michigan Secretary of State, will run for the governor’s job or the County Executive’s position when her second and final term is up in 2018, Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall of White Lake confirmed he is considering a run at the Secretary of State position. Kowall is currently in the midst of his second term in the Senate’s 15th District. “I’m looking into it and keeping options open. It’s awful early, but there is a lot that the Secretary of State does that is involved with what I’m working on right now, such as autonomous vehicles, licensing and elections. (Ruth Johnson) has been doing a good job right now at modernizing some things, and technology keeps changing,” said Kowall.

KOWALL Kowall previously represented White Lake’s 44th District House of Representatives seat from 1998 to 2002. While Kowall said it’s too early to gear up any fundraising efforts for the SOS campaign, rumors are that he’s been doing just that in the Lansing area. Campaign finance records show Kowall raised more than $40,000 from fundraising events in Lansing and Orchard Lake last fall, with about $80,700 of cash on hand at the end of 2015. Not bad for a term-limited senator.

This isn’t the first time he has considered elevating his position beyond the state legislature. In 2011, Kowall announced plans to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. At the time, Kowall hoped to take over the 11th District seat held by former Republican congressman Thaddeus McCotter, who was running for President of the United States. However, Kowall withdrew his bid after McCotter pulled out of the presidential election. The seat is currently occupied by Birmingham resident Dave Trott.

ON A CLEAR DAY: Well, it’s now official, as noted here last month – Republican John McCulloch, current OCC board treasurer, former HCMA director, Oakland Water Resources Commissioner, and long-time county board member, has officially filed to run for Oakland County Treasurer, a post now held by Democrat Andy Meisner. Aside from a truckload of cash ($350,000) left over from his failed run for re-election in 2012 as water resources commissioner, McCulloch reportedly performed well of late in a name recognition poll against Meisner. Some observers say that the Oakland polling firm’s track record of accuracy in the Michigan presidential primary and methodology in some polls (light on mobile phones; emphasis on landlines) could be skewing results, although no one offered how this poll was conducted. And let’s not forget that the top of the ticket in a presidential election year will impact the outcome on all races further down the ballot.

Expect this race to be hard fought, according to one GOP candidate who ranked this Democratically-held county office as one that could move back into the Republican column. After his 2012 loss by less than 8,000 votes, McCulloch was rumored to have learned a lesson and will no longer be taking advice from some party elders who advised him back then that there was no need to expend much cash or effort in beating upstart Jim Nash, who now holds the water resources post.

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Angela Youngblood ince 2010, Rochester mother Angela Youngblood has been blogging about all the messy details of raising four young children. Now, she and others are sharing their stories on the stage with a national storytelling show that she helped to bring to Detroit two years ago.

"Listen To Your Mother" is a national series of storytelling performances featuring local writers who talk about motherhood in staged community shows celebrating Mother's Day. More than 1,500 stories have been told, recorded and archived from performances across the nation.

Talking first about her adjusted expectations of raising four children, Youngblood started by riffing on some of the typical stresses which most parents can identify, such as being late for one of countless after school and weekend sports practices "It just gets crazier each year," she said about being a mother. "Just transportation-wise, it's a little nuts."

Youngblood became involved in co-producing the local show in 2013 with fellow Rochester mother, Jessica Watson.

"I saw it online and thought it was cool and wanted to audition," Youngblood said. "They didn't have a show in Detroit, so I reached out to another blogger and asked her if she was interested in bringing it to Detroit. She was auditioning in Indiana, so she was interested."

The duo went from auditioning for their own act to being tasked in the fall of 2013 with organizing and producing an entire show before Mother's Day 2014.

"I had never been to a show and didn't know what to expect, but I believe in the power of storytelling and how it can connect people," Youngblood said. "We put on a show, and frankly, we had no idea what

S

we were doing. It was two people who were used to writing online, and we had to do the planning, find the venue, get sponsors, take care of printing, and find a videographer. We had to find the materials and stories, so we held open auditions and hosted them at a coffee shop, a church, and all over."

The first show drew an audience of about 4,000 people to St. Andrews Hall in Detroit. This year's show, held on Sunday, May 1, will again feature live readings from real moms from throughout metro Detroit. The readings will focus on "the beauty, the beast and the barelyrested of motherhood," "The great thing about the show is that it has a little of everything," Youngblood said. "You have the sad pieces, and there are people who get real and raw. There are others who are angry, and there are sweet pieces. I throw in and try to say something funny."

Originally from the Portage area, Youngblood moved to Rochester about 18 years ago, after marrying her college roommate's boyfriend's brother. She started sharing her stories of motherhood shortly after her youngest child was born, allowing her to get back into writing after working as a community editor for a local publication. She also works as a part-time preschool teacher.

"We couldn't afford daycare, and I wanted to continue writing, so I started the blog to consistently write," she said. "I started the blog to let people know I'm not afraid to be the butt of the joke. I mess up a lot, but I don't sweat the small stuff. I think that's the key to having a lot of kids, or just parenthood in general."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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ADDRESS 1267 Barneswood Lane 3352 Aquarious Court 2548 Weaverton 2695 Weaverton 1700 Deepwood Circle 2119 Rochelle Park 2509 Munster Road 3717 Summit Ridge 3980 Strathmore Boulevard 921 Medford Court 1682 Clemens Circle 3070 Gerald Avenue 291 Maplehill Road 395 Willow Tree Lane 3829 Beechcrest 897 Norcross 2404 Pleasant View 1331 N Oak Street 125 Woodside Lane 3197 Courtfield Dr 469 Arms Court 4343 Creekwood Court 1671 Dennett Lane 3117 Tamarron 678 Parkland 31 Shagbark 765 Wynstone Circle 2005 Wentworth 3971 S Creek 2599 Spyglass 1572 Colony 569 Victoria Court 61 Arizona Avenue 2780 Stonebury 2087 Hickory Leaf Drive 51 Stonetree Circle 1338 Galena 785 Southwick Court Minimum Average Maximum

List Price $278,900 $305,000 $254,900 $154,900 $175,000 $249,900 $349,000 $429,990 $999,900 $65,000 $63,800 $98,000 $219,900 $249,900 $365,000 $399,900 $399,900 $509,000 $250,000 $314,900 $312,000 $419,900 $244,900 $254,900 $284,900 $289,900 $400,000 $409,000 $435,000 $629,900 $235,000 $165,900 $194,500 $274,900 $300,000 $379,900 $774,900 $777,677 $63,800 $335,202 $999,900

Sale Price $260,000 $306,000 $254,900 $155,000 $172,500 $241,000 $310,000 $418,000 $910,000 $57,500 $68,224 $90,000 $212,900 $250,000 $325,000 $387,500 $407,000 $497,000 $265,000 $295,000 $306,000 $419,900 $244,900 $256,000 $275,000 $280,000 $400,000 $408,000 $440,000 $580,000 $220,000 $170,000 $184,275 $267,000 $293,000 $379,900 $700,000 $775,764 $57,500 $324,081 $910,000

Beds Baths 4 2.1 3 3.1 3 2 3 1 2 2 3 2.1 4 2.1 4 2.1 4 4.2 2 1 2 1 3 1 3 1.1 3 1.1 3 2.2 4 2.1 4 3.1 4 3 3 2.2 4 2.1 4 2.1 4 3.1 4 2.1 4 2.1 3 2.1 4 2.1 4 2.1 4 4 4 2.2 5 4.2 3 2 3 2.1 3 2 4 3.1 3 2 4 2.2 4 4.1 3 2.1

Sqft Total 2,216 2,245 1,580 1,380 1,623 1,863 3,270 3,590 5,008 1,000 774 936 1,356 1,552 2,836 2,978 3,080 2,706 2,318 2,533 2,076 3,006 1,704 2,254 2,000 2,060 3,047 2,829 3,040 4,683 1,140 1,539 1,026 2,261 1,998 3,116 4,902 2,637 774 2341 5,008

Price/Sqft $117.33 $136.30 $161.33 $112.32 $106.28 $129.36 $94.80 $116.43 $181.71 $57.50 $88.14 $96.15 $157.01 $161.08 $114.60 $130.12 $132.14 $183.67 $114.32 $116.46 $147.40 $139.69 $143.72 $113.58 $137.50 $135.92 $131.28 $144.22 $144.74 $123.85 $192.98 $110.46 $179.61 $118.09 $146.65 $121.92 $142.80 $294.18 $57.50 $136.31 $294.18

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STOCKING MICHIGANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LAKES AND STREAMS THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT FISHING FOR THE WATERWAYS

BY KATIE DESKA

ne of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most revered places to fish brown trout runs through Oakland County, namely the Paint Creek. The coldwater stream is a haven for anglers who seek out the spotted fish, accented with a square tail and a golden belly. Since the 1800s, the brown trout has been fished in Michigan, yet many an angler may be surprised to know that it first arrived by boat from Germany, and isn't a native species at all.

Released into the Pere Marquette River in 1884, the brown trout was one of many species stocked by the Michigan Fish Commission in response to depleted fish populations due to excessive harvest for commercial purposes, polluted waters from industrialization, and massive destruction of land and water habitat as the logging industry cleared debris from rivers to aid in the transport of fresh-cut logs to sawmills.

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By 1900, the state operated six fish hatcheries, including Oakland County’s Drayton Plains hatchery, which was located on the site of today’s Drayton Plains Nature Center near Waterford.

Implementing basic techniques and small-scale operations, when compared to current standards, early hatcheries cultured a variety of species including brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, walleye, lake whitefish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Early settlers who sought diversified species for food and recreation, took fish indigenous to some Michigan waters, and planted them in other lakes and streams, where the particular species was previously absent. Populations of walleye, brook trout, and largemouth and smallmouth bass were spread this way. Other species, such as Atlantic and Chinook salmon, common carp and rainbow smelt were imported from out of state, and stocked through 1920, according to a 2004 article published by Gary Whelan, current program manager for the fisheries division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).

“There’s a very long history of brown trout management, which relies heavily upon (fish) stocking,” said Kevin Kapuscinski, assistant professor and co-director of the aquatic research lab at Lake Superior State University. “The common carp has been here – also imported intentionally in the late 1800s – so both species have been here for a long time. They’ve been around such a long time that a lot of people may not think of them as non-native, but they are. It’s more of a value system. We look at the carp as a destructive invasive species, and most people don’t view brown trout that way, but they were both brought here intentionally. Value systems change through time, and most of fisheries management is based on these value systems.”

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urrent and future generations of anglers are at the top of the food chain when it comes to making value-based decisions, including the establishment, improvement and diversification of fisheries – a term that refers to the selection of game or sport fish found in a given fish community. “If I had to make a rough estimate, I think 75 percent of what we stock is geared towards providing recreation and the other 25 percent, maybe, is to keep things in balance where things have gotten messed up,” said Jeff Braunscheidel, senior biologist at the Waterford fisheries station, part of the Lake Erie Management Unit, one of Michigan’s eight basin management units.

In the 1920s, the first fishing restrictions were implemented in response to rampant overharvesting. Currently, the state enforces laws that dictate the size, number of fish, and when and where a particular species can legally be caught.

“The limits, the regulations, we have in place (today) are designed to protect most of the fish species involved, but they’re sort of a one-size-fits-all regulation and they don’t always work as well in some lakes with different conditions,” said Braunscheidel.

“But we’ve been pushed by the public to keep regulations simple.

We don’t want 30 types of regulations for bluegills out there. People would be confused. So instead of having specific regulations for each lake, we try to have a general regulation (for a specific species) that would work in the majority of cases. We want people to go out fishing. There’s an economic basis behind some of this.”

The MDNR estimates that “40 percent of all recreational fishing in Michigan depends on stocked fish, including 70 percent of the Great Lakes trout and salmon fishery.” With a budget of just over $10 million, Michigan’s fish production program generates a hefty return on investment. The fishing industry contributed an estimated

$2.4 billion boost to the state’s economy, according to a 2011 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In some lakes, streams and ponds the stocking efforts of a particular species have been discontinued because the population is successful at maintaining a presence without intervention. “If it survives, and does OK, it reproduces, then if that happens they won’t continue to need to stock,” said Dr. Wally Fusilier, consulting limnologist and former owner of Water Quality Investigators, out of Dexter. But in some cases, to maintain and keep recreational fishing alive, the DNR must repeatedly stock certain species in the same waterways.

“We survey lakes and streams in the area on a regular basis, and when we do a survey of the fish community, we determine whether things are out of balance or we could provide more fishing opportunity without affecting the existing fish community,” said Jim Francis, head of the Lake Erie Management Unit.

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pinions of fish stocking vary, and the answer to the question of whether or not fish stocking practices need to be reformed depends on the philosophical perspective of the individual.

Yet, history shows that there’s been multiple paradigm shifts when it comes to propagating fish. The first wave, in the late 1800s, was characterized by a need to produce fish in large quantity to supplement agricultural yields, and was a period when exotic fish species were brought in from the native countries of many immigrants. The stocking paradigm shifted again as experience proved that larger fish had a higher survival rate. At the same time, recreational fishing gained popularity in the 1930s, and continued after World War II. The emphasis moved away from planting freshly-hatched fry fish, about a quarter-inch in length, to stocking the somewhat larger fingerlings, which measure over an inch. The late 1940s and 1950s marked the birth of sport fishing, when preferences for particular species developed among anglers, and caused a shift toward stocking larger, ready-to-catch trout. By the mid-1960s, science had shed light on the health concerns of stocked fish, including disease and inbreeding, and another shift took place, with a new concern for habitat restoration and catch limits.

“There’s no category in the population beyond hunters and anglers, who have done more for environmental protection and resource conservation in Michigan. We’re the canary in the coal mine. If the condition of a resource is declining, that’s clearly evident to people using that resource on a regular basis. Over the 80-year history of the MUCC, we’ve been involved in effectively every important environmental advancement or policy issue,” said Dan Eichinger, executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), a state branch of the nationwide organization. Representing the interests of anglers and hunters in Lansing, the MUCC played a role in the protection of wetlands and the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1979. “Anglers and hunters pay for wildlife and fisheries management. The funds used for the state, they come (in part) from fishing and hunting licenses. I’m not aware of any negative impacts of stocking fish. That would be a new one for me.”

On the other hand, the Center for Biological Diversity, a national non-profit out of Arizona, has linked fish stocking to the decline of native species of fish, including the golden trout and Lahontan cutthroat trout, as well as frogs and toads.

“We found 39 endangered and threatened species where the state was stocking non-native fish into the waters,” said Jeff Miller,

conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. “There was quite a bit going on in the high Sierras (in California), stocking where native trout never got to. You have these species of frogs and toads that evolved without fish predators, and you had trout eating frogs, and there were concerns about hatchery fish spreading disease to fish and other organisms, and competing with other native fish.” In California in 2008, the Sacramento Superior Court ruled that department had to consult with the Center and Pacific Rivers Council for a review of stocking practices and investigation into the protection of native species from the impacts of fish stocking.

“In California, they did stocking and never did an environmental review of stocking practices. We got that review. Now the state stopped stocking trout in the high Sierras and adopted a policy to not stock where endangered species are present. Our focus was on what harm the stocked fish did on the ecosystem and other aquatic life. The goal was to restore the ecosystem to native species, and get invasive species out,” Miller said.

However, the approach in Michigan has been more holistic, an aquatic ecologist asserted.

“In a lot of western states, there was a lot of put-and-take fisheries, where they just keep pumping them in and people take them out. The expectation is that people will catch them right away,” said Matt Herbert, aquatic ecologist at the Lansing branch of the Nature Conservancy. “Michigan’s approach is more to sustain populations and supplement populations. It’s more habitat-based.

It’s a mixture of trying to create or maintain fisheries, but much of the stocking is also just about the ecosystem as well.”

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ichigan’s fisheries practices are evaluated by professors at Michigan State University, and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Whelan, manager of the research section for the MDNR’s fisheries division. “They (MSU professors) review our practices and procedures. They look at our grants, and make sure the work is done in an appropriate fashion.

We consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the species that are listed as federally threatened, endangered, or sensitive,” he said, noting that the state has a handful of mussel species that are on the watch list, in addition to the Eastern Massasauga, a rattlesnake that lives in wetlands. “But, the probability is darn close to zero that (the snake) will be affected by fish stocking.”

The DNR issues permits to individuals to stock a private body of water, which does not connect with public water bodies. However, the majority of fish that is stocked come from one of six state-run hatcheries.

“The majority of the (fish production) funding is spent at hatcheries, rearing the fish and preparing them for the water bodies,” said Dawn Fedewa, financial manager of the MDNR’s fisheries division, which is operating on a $32 million budget this year.

In the Upper Peninsula, there is one hatchery near Lake Superior, located in Marquette County, and one near Lake Michigan in Schoolcraft County. In the Lower Peninsula there are four scattered along the west side of the state, in the counties of Emmet, near the tip of the mitt; Grand Traverse; Wexford, near the Manistee river; and Kalamazoo.

Currently, approximately 75 percent of Michigan’s $10 million fish production budget comes from a federal excise tax on fishing equipment, and 25 percent comes from Michigan’s game and fish fund, to which hunting, fishing and trapping licenses contribute,

said Ed Eisch, fish production manager for the fisheries division.

“Our funding is a combination of game and fish fund dollars, and federal money, the Dingell-Johnson money,” said Eisch, referring to the 1950 Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. The act established a federal excise tax on fishing equipment, including “boats, outboard motors, tackle, gas and oil sold in the marina,” said Eisch. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service then distributes a portion of the funds generated to each state based on an equation that involves the number of fishing licenses sold in a given state and the amount of fishable water present, which accounts for lake acreage and stream mileage.

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he Michigan fisheries division received $11.4 million in Dingell-Johnson money for the current fiscal year. About two-thirds is used for fish production – hatcheries and stocking – and the other third goes to resource management, including research and other aspects needed to run a science-based program, said Fedewa, financial manager of the fisheries division.

“We don’t want to stock fish that aren’t a size that they can live, or that aren’t healthy,” said Fedewa.

Yet, biologists stock hundreds of thousands of fish annually that won’t survive into their first year. “Fisheries biologists tell me that 70 percent of fish stocked die, so only 30 percent survive at all,” said Fusilier. “People want these fish. I don’t think the DNR tells them, ‘you’ll have 70 percent die.’”

A total of 227,292 fingerling walleye, which measure just shy of one-and-a-half inches, were planted into four Oakland County lakes last year – Cass Lake, Lake Orion, Long Lake, and Union Lake. The year prior, just under 200,000 fingerling walleye were stocked into seven Oakland County lakes.

Walleye is native to some waters in this part of the state, but not all. “They’re not naturally occurring in a lot of these lakes because they don’t have the right spawning habitat in most of the inland lakes here in southeast Michigan. They don’t have a river with rocky habitat for the spawning to succeed,” said Michael Thomas, a fisheries research biologist based the Lake St. Clair station.

In 1882, walleye began to be stocked in Michigan waters where the species had previously been absent. Relying on eggs captured from wild walleye adults in various locations across the state, the MDNR consistently rears the species. Once walleye hatch, they’re transported as fry to a walleye rearing pond, where quarter-inch walleye are placed for about two months to grow to fingerlings, about the length of a finger.

Rearing ponds, including one located in Oakland County’s Drayton Plains Nature Center, where walleye are raised from fry to fingerlings, have a limited amount of zooplankton, which is the primary feed for growing walleye. “When the zooplankton runs out, they eat each other, or starve. So you’re forced to get them out at a size where they’re still small, and you have to stock a lot of them to hope that a few make it through,” said Thomas.

When it’s time to transfer them, “we drain the pond, or net them out, and harvest the fish. Usually it is a man-made pond designed to be drainable,” said Braunscheidel, of the Waterford fisheries station.

The fingerlings depart the pond in cylindrical, water-filled tanks, transported on the bed of trucks to their destination. Upon arrival, a tube is attached from the tank, draped over the shoreline, and like turning on a faucet, the fish pour into the water. One species of fish may be stocked at various points in a single body of water, and stocking may occur over the course of multiple days. The Michigan

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Fish Stocking Guidelines, updated in 2004, states that 2.9 million fingerling walleye are placed annually into the Great Lakes, and roughly three to four million fingerling walleye are placed in inland lakes.

Noting that walleye are the primary species stocked in inland lakes, Thomas explained the science of why so many walleye fingerling have to be stocked.

When walleye join the fish community, which may be characterized by bass, bluegill, northern pike, yellow perch and shiners, a minnow-type fish, those that survive will feed on select members of the already-established fish population.

“There are risks associated with stocking fish into the wild, whether they’re native or not,” said Kapuscinski, of Lake Superior State University. “One tool we use to prevent risk is disease testing before stocking.” Other factors considered include the presence of competitor species and available nutrient sources, the time of year when a body of water is stocked, and the characteristics of a particular species strain.

While learning from mistakes of the past, and acting on guidance provided from scientific research studies, fisheries management is charged with the responsibility of balancing risk with reward. In 2013, the fisheries division released a five-year strategic plan, created with input from MDNR staff, conservation groups, anglers and members of the public. Carrying the department through 2017, the plan notes that goals typically remain static, but, as evidenced by history, “strategies are likely to evolve with changing agency resource levels and advanced technology.”

A somewhat recently emerging area of research has led to an increased emphasis on genetic integrity. Using techniques to investigate fish gene complexes, research studies continue to shed light on the impacts of fish stocking.

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uskellunge, affectionately known as “muskies,” were only found in fifteen lakes by the 1950s, according to the Fish Stocking Guide, but with consistent hatchery and stocking efforts, their presence in Michigan lakes has increased significantly. A muskellunge management draft report, written within the last decade, stated that muskies could be found in 112 water bodies throughout the state. “There are cases where muskellunge, from a different source population, have been stocked on top of a native population. Now we have genetic tools to examine the composition of these populations and see where, potentially, we have a pure native population or one where we see the influence of stocked population. It’s the whole idea of disrupting the locally adapted genes, gene complexes,” said Kapuscinski.

In addition to providing pleasure to many outdoor enthusiasts, fish stocking may be used to curb an out-of-balance ecosystem, as was the case with alewife. Fisheries managers witnessed an escalating number of alewife, a variety of lake herring, swimming in Lake Huron in the 1960s. They began stocking Chinook salmon, an alewife predator and the largest of the Pacific salmon, which was successful in decreasing the alewife population. As it turned out, anglers had a frenzy over the newly formed salmon fisheries, creating a new booming market. Like most things in nature, it didn’t last forever.

“When the alewife (population) crashed, over a long period of time, (fisheries management) were scaling back the stocking of the Pacific salmon,” said Kapuscinski. “That is not a popular thing to do, because people’s livelihood depends on it, but in the end, the ecosystem changed and they adjusted the stocking rates in response. It doesn’t make sense to stock the salmon because they’d starve to death. It’s unpopular, but the reality of it was that it was necessary.”

Another method of population control, which was used more frequently in the past than currently, is a chemical treatment. The DNR has treated lakes with rotenone as a means of conducting intentional fish kills. Targeting waters that had become overrun with a non-sport species, one that anglers weren’t excited about catching, the DNR has reacted by eliminating a species, which enabled the department to re-stock it with an adored fish.

“It’s been a while since we’ve done reclamation treatments,” said the DNR's Eisch. When a lake was dominated “with rough or undesirables, like carp or suckers, managers wanted to eliminate and restock with species people wanted. It’s not done a lot anymore because it’s proven to be a temporary measure. You don’t get them all, and the odds are, they will swamp desirable fish populations again. It’s a repetitive thing that’s needed to be done on cyclic basis. You have to collect all those dead fish, which is not a pleasant thing to be around, so it’s not viewed as effective for population management.”

L

imnologist Fusilier noted, “They did that to the Huron River and 95 percent of what they killed were carp, (imported) by Germans. It was a food fish for them. I guess the DNR was trying to give more food to the fish in the river that they wanted, like trout, and the carp were probably taking a lot of that biomass, the food.”

Looking forward towards best practices, the state continues to move with regard to fishing opportunity, financial investment, and environmental impact. Established in 2013, the DNR’s aquatic habitat grant program provides non-profits with the resources to conduct habitat restoration projects in partnership with the state. Grants are awarded to “non-profits so they can assist us in doing habitat work out there,” said Fedewa, financial manager of the fisheries division. “It enhances habitat so we are more successful when we do stocking, or so maybe we don’t have to stock.” With the 2015 round of funding, the program made $1.25 million available to partner organizations. A large portion of that money came as a result of the increased rates on fishing licenses, which went into effect two years ago.

In addition to the increased attention placed on improving habitat and protecting non-game and rare species, the division’s five-year plan has stated as its goal to increase fish production through cooperative partnership; use stocking to create new fisheries; and spread awareness to the public about local fisheries. To that end, Governor Rick Snyder’s budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year included $12.2 million for “fish production infrastructure improvements that would boost steelhead and coolwater fish production,” stated a release by the MDNR fisheries division. The improvements are intended to result in increased production of walleye, muskellunge, and smolting-sized steelhead, as well as replacing forty-year-old raceway fish feeders and improving measures to safeguard against avian predation.

“In southeast Michigan, we have large concentrations of people.

There’s so much fishing pressure that we have to stock for years and years,” said Eisch, of the DNR. “We’re fine with that. We want people out there fishing, so if we can provide trout fishing opportunities that’s a cool thing, and if we have to stock fish to do so, there’s nothing wrong with that. Recreational fishing is incredibly important to a lot of people. It’s a tremendous stress reliever, and it has a history in our state. It’s like a balm to the soul for a lot of people. Everybody has to have a place to go for a happy place, and for some it’s the garden, and some it’s the trout stream.

From my perspective, being in this field, it’s great to be able to make that a possibility for people.”

FACES

Joe Chila rummer for hire, Joe Chila, stumbled into his passion at age nine, when his younger brother was given a drum kit for Christmas.

“I started banging on it when he got sick of it, after a few weeks, and that’s when I got the itch,” said Chila, fifty years later.

“I started on an accordion when I was about five. My parents, of Italian descent, wanted their five-year-old to play accordion, but once the drum thing came along, I got hooked on it.”

Today, the freelance drummer has acquired an impressive resume, peppered with names including, The Marvelettes, Rodney Dangerfield, Mickey Rooney, Florence Henderson, and Iggy Pop. Fresh out of Henry Ford High School, where Chila played snare on the drum line until his 1974 graduation, he was hired as a pit drummer for the musical, ‘Annie.’ Performed at the Fisher Theater over the course of a couple months, that gig turned out to be one of Chila’s early milestones.

“If you do good, you pass the test – you stay on the A-List, as we call it. They even asked me to go on the road, but at the time I had other dates booked.”

Soon after ‘Annie,’ he played in the 1976 performance of ‘Selma,’ also at the Fisher, and since then, has played as a pit drummer in a number of venues, including the Gem Theater, where he performed for ‘Tribute to the Rat Pack,’ ‘Always Patsy Cline,’ and ‘Respect.’

Over the years, in between long-running shows, Chila has played with various groups, and maintains that his favorite style is Latin jazz.

“It’s exciting for a percussionist. It’s very rhythmic. The music is challenging to play, and, as a freelance guy, you stay busier if you’re lucky. I’ll book jazz trios and quartets. I hire the musicians, piano players, and bass players, as needed. In every city there’s hundreds of great musicians, experienced players. We get to the gig and say ‘What tunes do you want do?’ They know their stuff.”

When his career was budding, Chila capitalized on his flare for technical skills, and got a job at Percussion World, a former Birmingham shop “owned by a couple of gentleman with the Detroit symphony,” where he taught lessons. “I bought a house at 21 (years old) in Birmingham. I was making good money for my age, and I thought it would be a great bachelor pad,” said Chila, now living in Rochester and married to a singer who will be performing on the jazz album that Chila is currently in the process of making.

Chila later opened up JC’s Drum and Music Academy in Rochester, where he shares the joy of drumming with students of all ages.

“One of my former students played with Uncle Kracker, and now he’s with another singer-songwriter who’s looking promising.

Another one is out on the road with Ozzy Osbourne. I get calls to do drum circles, and things with kids, like hand drums, exotic percussion, African drums, Middle Eastern drums – I get into the schools quite a bit in Rochester, and in general the Detroit area.

There’s music all over the place if you look for it.”

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Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Jean Lannen

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LOCAL 05.16

MUNICIPAL PSD assessment rates to be discussed

City seeks input on Olde Towne future

By Kevin Elliott

By Katie Deska

Further discussion of the updated special assessment rates for downtown Rochester commercial properties that are located in the Principal Shopping District (PSD) will take place at the next city council meeting, Monday, May 9, to follow up on the public hearing and council deliberation that occurred at the council meeting on Monday, April 25.

The seven-member PSD board is responsible for promoting economic development within the business community, through marketing, events and other means. PSD chairman Alan Smith stood before city council and the public on April 25 to explain the assessment rate increase, which he said would cost property owners, or their merchants, on average an additional “$30 per 1,000 square feet, per year.”

Council voted 6-0, with mayor Cathy Daldin absent, to move the issue to the next meeting, pending receipt of the additional requested information from the PSD, including the amount of money generated by the assessments on the outlier properties, and the number of properties that have reached the $7,500 cap the PSD has on the assessment. The property assessment rates are evaluated every three years, with the last increase taking place eight years ago. New rates would take effect July 1.

Owners of commercial properties situated within the PSD are issued a special assessment bill on an annual basis. For the current PSD budget, the assessments contributed approximately 36 percent, or $244,000, of the total $670,000 budget. The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which is responsible for capital improvements to the downtown area, contributed $150,000 towards marketing efforts. Revenue generated from vendors and sponsors of events made up the largest portion of the PSD budget, at $276,000, said Kristi Trevarrow, director for the PSD, and executive director of the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

The current rate-per-square-foot may differ by up to nine cents per square foot. “The highest (square-foot rate) is 23 cents and lowest is 14. For the new (proposed rates), 27 cents is the highest and 16 cents is the lowest, per square foot on an annual basis, first floor, on Main Street, which is more than someone on a side street, or upper floor, or north of Main. We understand that people in the middle of a lot of what we do will get the downtownpublications.com

he city of Rochester Hills is requesting input from the public for the next month on a planning study of the city’s Auburn Road Corridor, also known as the Olde Towne or Brooklands neighborhood, which runs from Culbertson Avenue to Dequindre Road.

The city is encouraging residents to share their thoughts and opinions through a 10-minute survey to help the area become a vibrant business district. The survey is available online at rochesterhills.org or surveymonkey.com/r/RochHills. In addition to the survey, city officials will work with a team of professional consultants, city staff, boards, commissions, a steering committee, the public and surrounding communities.

“Having residential feedback is critical to the success of our projects,” said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. “It ensures that our plans contain a vision that the community can stand behind and support.”

City commissioners on January 25, approved contracting with LSL Planning of Royal Oak for a study of the corridor for an amount not to exceed $75,000. The need for a study was noted in the city’s capital improvement plan for several years. City staff have also been working with the planning commission to discuss what other cities are doing to promote effective redevelopment efforts and incentives. Such incentives could include rezoning or mixed zoning, not just financial incentives.

In addition to the survey, residents can take part by e-mailing the planning department at planning@rochesterhills.org to be invited to future meetings and input opportunities. Results could take six to nine months.

Barnett said planners hope to use the feedback to find innovative ways to encourage people to spend their time along the corridor.

Recommendations from the study will include new investments, possible road improvements and public space design.

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most benefit and that’s the way the PSD has been since it started in 1996," said Trevarrow.

The property owner, who receives the assessment bill, can choose to pass the cost along to the tenant, if the building is not vacant.

“If it is getting passed along to the business, they might pass that total bill onto their customers,” said Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing, who noted that the alternative is to look at the cost as a business expense – an investment in marketing, promotion and awareness, which falls within the mission of the PSD. The amount billed to each property is calculated using an equation that takes into account the square footage, and whether the property being assessed is a first, second or third floor space, and in what zone the property is located.

The boundaries for the district are set by the city council, with the bulk of the district comprising properties situated on the main arteries of downtown, including Main Street and University Drive, and sections of the east-west corridors that traverse Walnut, East Street and Water Street.

The southern border of the district is just south of South Street, and the

northern border is just south of Woodward Avenue.

The original proposal by the PSD requested an increase of three cents per square foot, across all assessment levels, but was revised to a sliding scale of two to four cents per square foot, depending on zone.

“Our goal is to protect what we have and consider carefully what we’re doing for the future,” said Smith of the PSD. “The (requested) increase is primarily to support the businesses in a greater way.

It would allow us to do video” and improve social media presence by connecting businesses with the “27,000 friends on Facebook that Downtown Rochester has,” in addition to other factors.

"Eight years is a long time for inflation. One dollar eight years ago costs $1.17 today. So it needs to be in perspective. We're basically where we were at eight years ago. We have a 97 percent occupancy rate, which tells me there is a demand for property here," noted council member Ben Giovanelli.

However, some property owners and merchants stated they didn't see the PSD as impacting them in such a way that they’re willing to shell out any more money than they’re already required to contribute.

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Trevarrow said the PSD holds merchant forums monthly, the last Wednesday of the month, at Mr. B's, and works to communicate with merchants and business owners. “We have a merchant e-blast, that goes out weekly, at least, explaining any programs, any deadlines, construction in the city.

We've already sent three out this week.

We're on the street as much as we can be, and so are our volunteers. We have 70-plus volunteers who work with the DDA and PSD and are on the streets as much as they can be.”

Council member Ann Peterson pointed out that the city received letters from “18 properties against it,” and initiated the council’s request that the PSD return to the next city council meeting with information about the amount of money generated by the business assessments on the outlier properties, as at least two property owners requested that they be eliminated from the PSD, on the grounds that they believe they don’t benefit from it. To heed these requests, the city council would need to make a motion and approve a restructuring of the boundaries, which occurred once before, about eight years ago, Trevarrow said.

During the council meeting on April 25, there was much discussion of “measurables,” and how the PSD has failed to establish a system of benchmarks. The body was requested to do so by the council six years ago, said council member Jeffrey Cuthbertson.

“We wanted a plan within six or 12 months of what those measurables would be,” Cuthbertson said of the years’ old request. “I would like to see a commitment for when that committee will deliver what it believes are appropriate measurables (for) an annual basis. I think council should be in a position to hold people accountable.

There’s people north of Main Street, and west of Walnut who would like to hear, ‘How does this work for us?’ I am pleased with a lot of what the PSD is doing, but I’ve listened to this ‘Hey, it helps everyone,’ without a way of substantiating. If council can’t ask for accountability for when targets are being measured and will be met, why are we voting on these things?”

Smith agreed to have “elements in place by this fall, and use those elements to evaluate.”

Outdoor dining permits renewed Permits for outdoor dining were renewed at Rochester’s city council meeting on Monday, April 25, allowing the summer dining season to begin.

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All five businesses that submitted their yearly application were approved on a vote of 6-0, with mayor Cathy Daldin absent.

The permit is required for dining on public right of ways, such as sidewalks, and allows tables and chairs to be set up during the months between May and October.

Businesses that renewed their licenses include Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta, O’Connor’s Public House, Kruse & Muer on Main, Morley Candy Makers, and Rochester Bistro, all of which are located on Main Street.

“It’s something we’ve been doing for a number of years. Those were the five that requested it last year and this year,” said city manager Blaine Wing, who noted that no businesses were denied. “Because of Rochester Road being an MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) road, they have to get permission from MDOT as well.

The ones that needed it all had it, and one was pending MDOT’s approval.”

Each permit states the number of tables and chairs that are permitted, and ensures that the sidewalk remains passable, a standard that’s defined by the city’s planning commission. The permit fee amounts to half of the square footage of the leased right-ofway. “Part of (the fee) is to make sure there’s compliance, and to get the umbrellas up so there’s not a hazard, and that there’s no health or safety issues, and basic inspections,” said Wing.

Rochester to consider 2016-17 budget The proposed budget for the city of Rochester fiscal year 2016-2017 was discussed by members of city council and the public on Monday, April 25, and city manager Blaine Wing will give a presentation on the spending plan at the next city council meeting, Monday, May 9, when the council is scheduled to vote on the final budget.

“I’ll walk through the revenue and expenditures and all our funds, and jump into touching on each department and a few highlights,” Wing said.

The city's fiscal year runs from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

The budget must be approved prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.

Proposing a balanced budget, the city's general fund is estimated to generate $11.5 million, with expenses estimated to total the same. Real estate taxes are expected to bring in the majority, at $7.6 million.

Miscellaneous sources, including administrative cross charges, 54

Who’s running in the 2016 election

By Lisa Brody

ochester/Rochester Hills congressman Mike Bishop (R ) is facing a challenge in November by either transplanted Hollywood actress Melissa Gilbert, now living in Howell, or Linda Keefe, and Republican state Rep. Mike Webber will face a challenge from Democrat Ted Golden.

The political landscape in Oakland County could not be more volatile this summer in Oakland County, where county executive L. Brooks Patterson (R ) has filed to run for his seventh four-year term. Two Democrats, former Rep. Vicki Barnett and Mark Danowski, have filed for the office and the winner of the August primary will face Patterson in the fall.

Former Republican Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner John McCulloch has filed to run against Democratic Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, who is seeking his third term.

Democratic prosecutor Jessica Cooper has filed for re-election for her third term and will face Republican Mike Goetz in the November general election. Long time Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, a Republican who has been sheriff since 1999, will face off against former Ferndale mayor Craig Covey, a Democrat, in November.

The Oakland County Clerk's office looks to be the hot county race, with two Republicans, former clerk and Oakland County commission chair Bill Bullard facing current Rochester Hills clerk Tina Barton, facing each other in the August primary. Two Democrats, current Oakland County clerk Lisa Brown and Michael D. Smith, deputy clerk of Clawson, will square off in the primary. The primary winner in each party will face each other in November.

Initially there were two Republicans, Paul Welday and Robert E. Buxbaum, primed to duke it out in the primary for Oakland Water Resources Commissioner, but Welday died unexpectedly on Monday, April 25, so Buxbaum, of Oak Park, will face incumbent Jim Nash (D) in the general election.

Newly-appointed Republican Oakland County Commissioner Adam Kochenderfer in the 15th District (Rochester, Rochester Hills) is being challenged by Democrat Mary Ward.

In the local U.S. 8th District Congressional race, Rep. Mike Bishop, a Republican, is unopposed in the primary, where two Democrats, actress Melissa Gilbert and Linda Keefe, are seeking to be the party standard bearer. Bishop will run against the winner of the primary in November.

In local judicial races, incumbent Judge Nancy Tolwin Carniak of the 52-3 District Court in Rochester is running unopposed.

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reimbursements and the city's fund balance, are expected to total $1.5 million; and state returns are estimated to generate $1.1 million.

Close to half of the expenses for 2017 are proposed to go towards public safety, as police and fire services are proposed to total roughly $5.2 million, which includes $100,000 earmarked for a K-9 officer, a new position.

“They were still finalizing the proposed budget, and at the last meeting they tabled that item, requested additional information from staff, and we provided that, and they decided to add it in. It was voted to get put into the proposed budget,” said Wing. “I have a pretty good sense that since it was a 6-0 vote to add the police officer with K-9, most likely they’ll approve that (on May 9).

They vote on the whole budget,

which would included the K-9.”

In the absence of mayor Cathy Daldin, who was out of town on April 25, mayor pro tem Kim Russell led the meeting. Russell reiterated that public safety services comprise the bulk of the budget. “Police and fire were 38 percent of the budget, and now we’re over 50 percent of the budget with police and fire,” she said, while also recognizing the increase in service calls to the departments.

“Retiree hospitalization has risen 103 percent. We need to take this seriously – once the money is gone, it’s gone. We have a great foundation and we want to consider everything that’s in this budget.”

Council member Jeffrey Cuthbertson brought attention to the investment that the city has made in public services. “Council has invested responsibly in public safety, so by

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default you have growth in the public safety budget, because we’re not spending in other areas. Where we have invested dollars over the past few years is important.” He noted that meeting infrastructure needs would be the challenge of the budgets over the next two to four years.

Laurie Puscas, who serves on the board of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), approached the podium as a member of the public, and reminded the audience that Rochester has not always had emergency medical services. “We need perspective on where we were and where we’ve come,” she said.

The second largest expenditure for next fiscal year is for the finance department, which has $657,000 budgeted; followed closely by the parks and recreation department, for which $604,000 is earmarked.

For fiscal year 2015, the city's general fund expenditures totaled $10.2 million, as did the revenue. Real estate taxes that year brought in $7.2 million, state returns generated $1.1 million, and miscellaneous revenue totaled $619,000.

Final figures for fiscal year 2016 are not yet completed.

Annual report on city liquor licenses

By Katie Deska

The Rochester Police Department presented to city council on Monday, March 28, a 2015 annual report on 19 local establishments actively using a Class C liquor license.

Rochester Police Chief Steve Schettenhelm presented the findings of the annual liquor license inspection reports, required by the city code.

Inspections include a survey of the premises, a review of tax payments, and a review of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission contacts. Also included in the reports is a review of all police activity that occurred at the establishments in 2015.

Of the liquor license-holding businesses in Rochester, 84 percent, or 16 locales, had paid their taxes, while the remaining three, which were tax delinquent, had established a payment plan with Oakland County. Rojo Mexican Bistro, Mr. B’s Food & Spirits, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a civic organization, have “made arrangements to make good on outstanding tax liabilities,” said Schettenhelm.

Licenses were also held in 2015 by Penny Black, the Meeting House, Rochester Bistro, Bologna Via Cucina, 05.16

O’Connor’s Public House, Main Street Billiards, Sumo Sushi, Kruse and Muer on Main, Hibatchi House, Rochester Mills Beer Company, the Royal Park Hotel, Paint Creek Tavern, Mama Mia’s, the Rochester Chophouse, Paul’s on Main, which received a new license this year, and the now-shuttered O’Shea’s.

The few minor violations, including faulty exit lights, worn out stair treads, and improper display of the liquor license, were corrected, noted Schettenhelm to council.

Rochester officers regularly conduct bar checks, which are at the discretion of the officer. “When an officer is on patrol, they specifically say they will do a walk through to establish a police presence there,” said Schettenhelm. “We have resourceful officers, and good bar owners, so when we see things causing problems, we’ll make contact with them.”

In 2015, Main Street Billiards had 18 bar checks, and police were dispatched five times regarding reports of assaults. Comparatively, the year prior, the pool lounge and restaurant had 41 checks, and six reports of assault. Penny Black, which had one call for a fight, had 15 bar checks in 2015, about half the number of checks reported in 2014, when there were zero calls regarding fights or assaults. Rojo, on the other hand, didn’t have a single bar check in 2014, but had 16 last year. Police were dispatched for a reported fight only once in 2015.

Other police activity at the establishments included responses to suspicious activity, customer trouble, assistance to fire/medical concerns, and to alarms, the vast majority of which were faulty, said Schettenhelm.

Planning commission approves capital plan

By Kevin Elliott

An $85.3 million capital improvement plan for the city of Rochester Hills was approved on Tuesday, April 19, and adopted by the city’s planning commission.

The plan, which calls for 19 new road projects, sewer maintenance equipment and park drainage fixes between 2017 and 2022, estimates the city’s cost to implement the projects will be about $85.3 million.

In addition to new projects, 17 projects were removed from this year’s capital improvement document, with 12 of those having been completed, three pending and two deleted.

The capital improvement plan incorporates projects based on the city’s adopted plans, goals and objectives. It includes projects to address major road, local street, water and sanitary sewer, storm water management, pathways, parks, cityowned facilities, professional services, and internal service program needs. The plan is intended to identify desired capital projects provided for in an orderly and comprehensive method for installing and/or replacing facilities, equipment or infrastructure, and also to give a long-range focus to financial planning and potential financing needs. As such, the plan is intended to aid the mayor and city council in making decisions regarding the physical development and infrastructure maintenance of the city.

About 36 percent of allocations to capital improvements through 2022 pertain to local streets; 22 percent for

Bicentennial sundial project moving forward

By Katie Deska

ochester is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a city, and 200 years since the area’s settlement and the ‘Golden Bicentennial’ is being commemorated by a sculptural project intended to be equally as informative as it is symbolic.

A few years ago, the city beautiful commission began brainstorming ideas, and eventually settled on a large sundial to be constructed near the duck pond in Municipal Park. Located north of University Avenue, and west of Main Street, the park’s sundial will keep time and provide a snapshot into the history of the city for the last 20 decades. Bronze plaques, engraved with key

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water and sewer purchases; 15 percent for internal services; 11 percent for major roads; seven percent for storm water; four percent for parks; two percent for professional services; two percent for facilities; and one percent for pathways.

The city currently maintains about 39 miles of paved major roads, 214 miles of paved local roads and 23 miles of gravel local streets.

Among the street improvements included in the capital improvement plan is $3.1 million in turn lane improvements, including along Auburn Road from east of Alexander Avenue to Livernois, at a cost of about $53,400 to the city; $257,500 in rehabilitation work to Horizon Court; $1.1 million for reconstruction work on Rochester Industrial Drive; $60,000 in city funds for the city’s traffic calming program related to speeding along residential streets; $810,710 of city funds (or 2.5 percent of total costs) for reconstruction of Dequindre between Clovelly Avenue and South Boulevard; 33 percent, or $72,920, of the total cost for a northbound right turn lane on Livernois at Auburn Road; $228,000 for bridge rehabilitation work; $218,750 for a right turn lane on John R at Auburn Road; $1 million for the rehabilitation of Barclay Circle; $125,000 in city funds for traffic signal improvements on Barclay Circle; $461,250 in city funds for South Boulevard rehabilitation work; $770,000 for Industro Plex Industrial Park reconstruction; $192,500 in city funds for widening Avon Road between Princeton and Grovecrest avenues; $30 million for local street rehabilitation projects; $150,000 for local street traffic calming programs; and $287,600 in city funds for paving School Road at near John R.

points from each decade, will appear on stones encircling the sundial. The city’s historical commission will be integral in choosing the language that will appear on the plaques.

On Monday, March 28, city council approved $190,000 of funding to be earmarked for the project, on a vote of 5-2, with council members Stuart Bikson and Ann Peterson dissenting.

“I don’t want to short change anyone,” said Peterson, who served on the city beautiful commission during the planning stages of this project, “but I don’t think it looks good to taxpayers.”

Bikson shared Peterson’s concerns about the $190,000 price tag. Originally estimated to cost almost $300,000, cuts to landscaping, changes in materials, and plans to do more work in-house led to significant savings.

Mayor Cathy Daldin, mayor pro tem Kim Russell, and council members Jeffrey

Senior living home moving forward Cedarbrook of Rochester, a fivestory, 142-unit senior residential facility slated for 790 Letica Drive, on the southeast corner of Parkdale Road, is moving forward in the approval process, and will go before the city council at an upcoming meeting.

The upscale senior living home is modeled after Cedarbrook of Bloomfield Hills, located on Woodward Avenue, north of Long Lake Road, and will offer independent and assisted living, in addition to memory and respite care.

Proposed by Michael Damone, president of the Damone Group, Cedarbrook is intended to fill a need in the senior community.

Damone stood before the planning commission last fall, but postponed the project in order to work out engineering concerns regarding stormwater retention, which have since been investigated. On Monday, April 4, the adjusted site plans were presented and a public hearing was held.

On a motion made by commissioner Jon Kingsepp, the planning commission voted 6-1, with commissioners Jeffrey Cuthbertson and Meredith Deneweth absent, to recommend approval by the city council, provided that the seven conditions laid out by the planning commission are met.

Prior to casting his ‘no’ vote, commissioner David Gassen, stated that he could not vote ‘yes’ on a motion to recommend to city council “something I think has not been vetted well enough.” Gassen expressed concern over the impact the tall building would have as it is approached from the north. To show the height of Cedarbrook relative to the

Cuthbertson, Ben Giovanelli, and Rob Ray were in support of the project, and committed to moving forward with the process, taking note that 2017 is less than a year away.

“It’s tough to prioritize and spend,” said Giovanelli. “But we’re only 200 (years old) once.”

A site plan review of the sundial project will be scheduled by the planning commission at its meeting Monday, April 1, and will likely appear on the agenda for the following month’s planning commission meeting, Monday, May 2.

“Then, if approved, we will bid out the project and take it to city council for their approval of the contracts,” said deputy city manager Nik Banda in a statement.

The public will be able to purchase and engrave decade stones and bricks reclaimed from Main Street, with a name, or words of their choice. All funds raised will go into the city’s capital fund.

surroundings, a massing diagram depicting the view approaching the building from the south was presented.

However, a view from the opposite direction was not.

The height of the building ranges from 69 feet to 82 feet, depending on the slope of the particular site, and includes a roof top garden on the second level, which is staggered with the rest of the building. During her report to commissioners, city planner Vidya Krishnan noted that the garden “creates an attractive appearance to the building because of the greenery on the rooftop.” The second massing diagram will be presented to city council, which is also the body responsible for approving that the project meets the city’s special exception requirement.

Because the site is zoned as a research park, not a residential use as proposed, a special exception is necessary and, as explained by Krishnan, stipulates that Damone “demonstrate(s) that the project brings something unique to the city and contributes to the public benefit.” To do so, Damone has worked with the Older Persons’ Commission, also located on Letica, to establish a project that will provide benefits to the citizens as a whole. The Damone Group will fund the construction of a concrete apron around the entrance to the senior center, with lighting and fall prevention markings, to decrease the risk of falls.

Furthermore, one of the conditions of the planning commission’s approval, as stated by Kingsepp, is “dependent upon further discussion and negotiation between the developer and the OPC, as time goes on, regarding further benefits that might be considered and adopted regarding this project.”

Council approves permit for Jenoptik Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, April 11, unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing for the construction of a 100,000 square-foot building by Jenoptik Automotive on former cityowned property in the 700 block of W. Hamlin Road.

Jenoptik, a German-based photonics group that has operated in the city for more than eight years, is planning on constructing a new technical campus on the land. The project will be done in three phases and is expected to generate about 400 new jobs, with an average salary of about $80,000 annually.

Andreas Blind, vice president of 56

Lake Norcentra Park to have local murals rtists in metro Detroit, or those with ties to the greater Rochester area, are invited to submit a design proposal for a 900-square-foot mural, to be painted by members of the community on two walls of a building along the Clinton River Trail, within the forthcoming Lake Norcentra Park.

Set to break ground this spring, the park project is intended to bring together the greater Rochester community, and will revitalize the area surrounding Lake Norcentra, on the campus of Rochester College within Rochester Hills.

Submissions should represent the Rochester region, and will be accepted online through May 27, via rochestermural.org. On June 1, a 13-person panel will select three of the proposals, which will then go before the members of the public, who are invited to vote online between June 6 and July 1. The installation of the mural, set to take place July 23 through August 27, will be guided with support from the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA), and its executive director, Tami Salisbury.

“We’re looking for a design that’s colorful, something vibrant, something that stands out and draws interest to passersby,” said Salisbury. “There are so many attributes within the Rochester region and we can’t wait to see the submission from Michigan artists.”

The creator of the winning concept will be awarded $2,500, donated by Chief Financial Credit Union, the park’s sponsor. A mural dedication ceremony is planned for the week of September 17.

Sitting on the 13-person selection committee is Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett; Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin; artists from the PCCA; and one representative each from the Friends of the Clinton River; RochesterAvon Historical Society; Rochester College; and the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The mural is one piece of the Lake Norcentra Park master plan, which involves several initiatives, including pop-up concessions along the Clinton River Trail; bike parking and a repair station; signage that interprets the history and nature of the site; demolition of an existing maintenance building to make an open space for events and recreation; boat and fishing access along the Clinton River; hammocks, seating and tables; and entertainment and learning programs throughout the year.

"We're creating Lake Norcentra Park to be a place that brings neighbors together to enjoy what it means to be in the greater Rochester community," said BT Irwin, consultant and project manager of the park.

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sales, marketing and service for Jenoptik's North American operations, said the project will be done in three phases, with about $19 million in investment in the first two phases that were before city council on April 11.

Plans for the first two phases include a 100,000 square foot office, engineering, manufacturing and warehouse building. The second phase includes the addition of a 45,000 square foot building on the north side of Hamlin Road, between Crooks and Livernois.

An additional $11 million in investment for a 60,000 square foot building is planned for a third phase, which has not yet been presented to city staff.

The Rochester Hills Planning Commission on March 22, approved site plans for the first two phases of the project, a tree removal permit and recommended approval for the special use permit to be issued by city council.

The site, which includes a total of about 15.6 acres of land, is zoned for

office, research and technology uses, which doesn't allow for assembly and machining operations that will be conducted at the site, spurring the need for the special use permit.

Rochester revises fees for parking fund

By Katie Deska

Rochester City Council, on Monday, April 11, selected a revised structure to pay for the city’s parking fund, as revenue from the system fell short from expectations by approximately $150,000.

“The ultimate goal is to have users pay for the auto parking system,” said John Hiller, city finance director.

City council selected a plan that is intended to phase out contributions by the city, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the special assessment district, to which select businesses contribute.

On a vote of 6-0, with council member Stuart Bikson absent, council

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approved one of three options proposed.

The revised rate structure will go into effect at the start of the new fiscal year, on July 1, 2016.

Rates for the platforms will go into effect after one hour of free parking, versus the current two-hour free window. All meters will cost $1 per hour, and meters will be installed at the two new flat lots. There remains 200 free parking spots in the city, which can be found in the lot on 3rd street, behind Fieldstone Winery, and the farmers market lot, at the corner of 2nd and Water streets.

One of the proposed options would have extended the rates at the parking platforms through midnight, on all nights. However, council did not select that plan and parking rates will remain in effect only until 9 p.m.

Should any excess funds be generated, they will be deposited into the city’s capital reserve and earmarked for the parking system.

Water main, road resurfacing project A $2.6 million water main and road resurfacing project in Rochester Hills' North Hill subdivision neighborhood, near Rochester and Tienken Roads, is expected to break ground in May. Rochester Hills Director of Public Services Allan Schneck on Monday, April 11, told city council members that the North Hill Subdivision water main replacement and road surfacing project was budgeted for about three years ago and is now moving forward because of problems with the water main. Issues with the water main, he said include the age of the pipe, the cast iron water main material and a history of breaks.

Roadways will maintain local traffic throughout the project. Work is expected to start in May with a completion date scheduled for September.

City council on Monday, April 11, unanimously approved a $2.4 million contract with Bidigare Contractors, of Northville. Council also approved a 10percent contingency, bringing the total amount approved for the project to just under $2.7 million.

"I know there's concern, and I'll bring it right out in the open, about budget," Schneck said. "This particular project was budgeted in the aged capital improvement application of approximately three years ago. We recognize that, but I would state that the engineer's estimate was very close to the lowest responsive bidder. It was within about 10 percent. All the bids were real tight, so we are confident the bids are appropriate."

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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.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 200 S. Main Street,

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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.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn

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248.606.4479.

Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.844.8900.

King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333.

Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.0089.

Kruse & Muer In the Village: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400.

Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651.

Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.656.9002.

Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9862.

Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707.

Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.8441.

Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066.

Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234.

Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121.

Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills.

248.375.5999.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900.

Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.6534.

Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.5000.

North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.3366.

O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200.

Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960.

Outback Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, daily.

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Reservations, eight or more. Liquor.

1880 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.650.2521.

Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.759.4205.

Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.5722. Also 2508 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.7430.

Park 600 Bar & Kitchen: American.

Weekend Brunch. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.2600.

Paul’s on Main: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 630 N. Main Sreet., Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0066.

Pei Wei: Asian Fusion. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1206 E. Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.1380.

Penn Station East Coast Subs: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

146. S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.4663.

Penny Black Grill & Tap: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

124 W. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.841.1522.

Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890.

Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668.

Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900.

Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 304 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.4545.

Red Lobster: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2825 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.8090.

Red Olive: Mediterranean & American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1194 Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0300.

Rochester Bistro: American-Continental.

Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.923.2724.

Rochester Brunch House: American.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 301 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1600.

Rochester Chop House: Steakhouse & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.2266.

Rochester Diner & Grill: American, Greek & Italian. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 1416 E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill, 48309.

248.652.6737.

Rochester Mills Beer Co.: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 400 Water Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.650.5080.

Rochester Tap Room: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306.

248.650.2500.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

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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.

Sasson expands dining empire Jeremy Sasson, the Birmingham owner and restaurateur behind Townhouse Birmingham and Townhouse Detroit, is continuing to spread his wings, developing a steakhouse in the Capitol Park Lofts building at 1145 Griswold Street and State in Detroit, two blocks north of Campus Martius. “It won’t be a steak, potatoes and white tablecloth kind of steakhouse,” Sasson said. “It’s like a prime house, with prime products across the culinary arena, featuring the finest products in produce, meats, and seafood.” The steakhouse, as yet unnamed, is in the midst of branding and marketing, as Sasson sends out requests for proposals (RFPs) for architects all over the country to design his vision. The steakhouse will be about 6,000 square feet on the first floor of the new 63-unit loft building, being redeveloped by Lansing-based developers Karp & Associates, with a lower level private dining space, and another 80-feet of outdoor frontage. “We’ll have a lot of outdoor seating,” Sasson said, whose other restaurants highlight outdoor dining. “It’s definitely something I’m comfortable with.” He anticipates the interior will seat 180 to 200 diners, with another 80 seats outside, and 75 to 100 in the private dining area. “It will be designed to be a place you’d want to share with friends from out of state,” he said, with a high energy steakhouse upstairs, and a more intimate lower level. Incorporated into the project will be a dry-aging room, where all meat products will be dry-aged and butchered. He also plans to spin off a small retail shop, “a cool butcher counter to play into the historic nature of the area, so people can come in and buy fine meat right from us.”

As with his other projects, Sasson has “no intention of taking on partners,” and currently doesn’t have a time frame for opening his steakhouse concept. As for SHO, a bistro concept he presented to Birmingham city commissioners in April for a location next to Townhouse described as “casual, inviting, intimate, with global twists on Elomae sushi and Japanese Izakaye dining,” which was not moved forward, he said that while disappointed, he may move the concept to downtown Detroit...Sasson also announced he has hired Lenny Sparks as Director of Training and Recruitment from Las Vegas to work in recruitment of talent for Townhouse, and as he moves forward with the steakhouse. “He was with the One Group and House of Blues in Las Vegas and has spent 20 years in hospitality,” Sasson said, who noted he decided to split marketing and operations for his organization.

Townsend improvements After 16 years, The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham at 100 Townsend Street, has decided to close The Corner Bar, located at the corner of Pierce and Merrill streets, in order to repurpose the space for private dining and meeting space. “We wanted to have a space that has the intimacy and privacy to meet the needs of a lot of our guests and guests from the community,” said Jared Chorney, food and beverage director at the Townsend. He acknowledged it will be bittersweet, however. “A lot of memories have been made there,” he said of the bar, which opened after a 2000 renovation of the hotel, designed by noted Birmingham architect Victor Saroki. The Corner Bar will host a final Happy Hour Friday, May 13 from 5-9 p.m., with complimentary appetizers, and then start construction in early June. “We’ll probably re-open the room in early fall,” depending upon construction, Chorney said. Recently, chef Todd Sabo, formerly of the Ritz-Carlton Hotels, joined the Townsend staff as executive chef for the hotel and the Rugby Grille, replacing Drew Sayes, who moved on to Slows Bar-B-Q.

Summer farm fresh menu The Stand, 34977 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, has launched an updated summer menu, highlighting fresh produce from Michigan farms. “We’ve been waiting for farmers to tell us what’s coming to market,” said John Kelly, who runs the restaurant with Chef Paul Grosz. The restaurant has unveiled a handful of new recipes, including eggplant rollatini and a grilled octopus dish. The lobster fried egg dish, a patron favorite since the restaurant opened in 2013, is now prepared with eggs from a farm in Yale, Mich. “It’s organic, non-GMO, they’re happy chickens, as (the farmers) call them. The flavor is phenomenal,” Kelley said. Now open for lunch as well, The Stand offers a number of flatbreads, soups and salads, great for a mid-day bite at a modest price.

Shipping Company coming The Detroit Shipping Company, the new name for the Detroit Shipyard, a pod of eateries, bars, retail spots and art, slated for an 18,000 square-foot property at 474 Peterboro in the Cass Corridor, is expected to open in late August or early fall, said James Therkalsen, founding partner. An outdoor venue constructed out of reimagined shipping containers, the venture is engineered by Three Squared and is designed to be open year-round. Therkalsen, and partners, Jon Hartzell, owner of

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

Facilities Management Group, and Timothy Tharp, who owns Detroit’s Grand Trunk Pub and Checker Bar, are in talks with chefs who seek a container to call their own. The communal business approach will involve a menagerie of eateries, artists, and retailers. “We’re trying to get something worked out with FoodLab Detroit,” a non-profit that helps entrepreneurs get on their feet. “For us to reserve one of the restaurant containers for FoodLab – for people who don’t have the financial backing to have their own place – that was the original goal,” said Therklasen, of wanting to provide a venue for makers, to make it. “We felt like (the name) Detroit Shipping Company represented that spirit, that everyone is trying to ‘ship’ their product.” The name change was prompted by a cease and desist letter from Maine’s Shipyard Brewing Co.

New downtown concept After five years, Detroit’s Fountain Bistro closed earlier this year, leaving a vacancy in Campus Martius Park. An unnamed, joint restaurant venture is expected to open late summer, under the ownership of 800 Parc, LLC. Zaid Elia, of The Elia Group, co-owner of Birmingham’s 220, and Matthew Shiffman, of Centerpoint Ventures real estate firm, who are working together to create a new concept. “(Campus Martius Park) is a non-profit run by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, and we have the rights to operate the former Fountain Bistro, former Beach Bar (renamed The Fountain Detroit), and food and concessions within the park, maybe ice cream or gelato,” said a spokesperson for 800 Parc. “The Fountain Detroit is opening in mid-May, we’re really excited about it. We’re looking to do a revamped menu and provide a new experience for everyone who works, lives and plays downtown.” To accompany the ice skating rink next winter, the group plans to operate a rink-side bar and the Artic Zone, a warming area for cocoa and snacks.

New West Village chef Craft Work, 8047 Agnes Street in Detroit, has welcomed a new chef, Arizonanative Aaron Solley, who is friends with the restaurant’s former chef, Matt Dalton. Solley had been living in Portland, Oregon, until recently when he returned to Detroit, intending to collaborate with Dalton on unaffiliated culinary projects. When Dalton abruptly shifted course, and stepped down in March, Solley took the helm of the West Village restaurant. “I’ve been here for two weeks,” said Solley, in mid-April, “and I keep seeing the same faces, there’s a very loyal following. I’ve been introduced to many customers, and I heard multiple people say, ‘This is like my Cheers; everyone knows me here.’” Solley plans to gradually simplify the menu’s ingredients, while adding his own refined twist to the twoand-a-half-year-old restaurant. “I’m peeling back some of the complexities in the previous menu, dropping some things that are out of season, and slowly moving forward with adding my own dishes.” This is not Solley’s inaugural venture with the Detroit food scene – he was formerly with Morels, Tribute and Papa Joe’s Market.

Broderick Grille opens The Broderick Grille has opened in downtown Detroit at 1570 Woodward Avenue, with chef David Parker executing the menu. Formerly of Punchbowl Social, Roast, and other Michigan and out-of-state restaurants, Parker said Broderick is an “ode to everything I’ve learned, all the different styles.” Popular dishes include the burgers, hanger steak, and the salmon dish with butternut squash, purple Peruvian fingerling potatoes and green beans. “It’s like a melting pot menu. I wanted to make sure we could touch the blue collar worker, and compete with restaurants here.” One goal is to provide a fine-dining caliber meal in a more affordable fashion. “We’re going to switch to our summer menu, more bright and seasonal. The big flavors that come with summer.” Michael Higgins, owner of the restaurant and Broderick Tower, also plans to open a taproom and wine bar downstairs from the Grille, in addition to a new restaurant in the Elliot Building. “We have not made a decision on that yet, but in the next year, you’ll see stuff starting to pop up,” said Parker.

Pop Up Intel Yemans Street, 2995 Yemans Street in Hamtramck: Eric Sanderson, formerly of Top of the Pontch, Coach Insignia, The Root. May 20. yemansstreet.com The Menagerie, 31 N. Saginaw Street in Pontiac: Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet with Kyle Williams, weekly brunch chef at The Menagerie, May 8. Marcus Ware, chef-owner of MelahJayz, May 20. menageriekitchen.com

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.

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.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334.

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

64

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.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

DOWNTOWN

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.

05.16

AT THE TABLE Ale Mary's has market on beer but food's another matter

By J. March

n 1985, Larry Bell of Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo sold his first beer. Since then, craft beer in Michigan has expanded at a rate faster then the amount of dishes using kale in metro Detroit restaurants. Ritts Hospitality capitalized on this boom and opened Ale Mary’s in 2014. With 28 on tap, 64 in bottles and three in cans, beer is the highlight here, but the suds-friendly menu has earned quite a bit of acclaim on its own.

A handful of visits in the fall of its opening not only had me hooked, but made me certain that my French Canadian roots and Michigan address easily made me one of the coolest people alive.

How’s that ey? Two-Hearted and Poutine. Both served at Ale Mary’s, then and now. Though the Two-Hearted was the same this time, the Poutine was not. Though I cannot put my finger on exactly what it is, the french fries are different than before.

The portion of duck confit was exceptional, but the quality was not. The gravy that once tasted like a labor of love now tasted like it had simply become labor. Bland on one visit and overly-salty on the next, it lost its shine over the years.

The sweet and spicy fried pickle chips were cornmeal crusted and exactly the kind of food that begs for beer. Asian-style wings fried with sesame seeds and a sweet chili sauce were crispy and more proof that those in charge put more than a little thought into the harmony of food and drink.

Other suds-buddy dishes like Scotch Egg, Charcuterie and Cheese Curds are available.

Though I cannot speak to their preparation, I can say that the Beer Glazed Pork Belly was a thoughtless cut that consisted of a solid inch-anda-half of fat atop less then a quarter inch of pork.

Don’t get me wrong, I'm all about the jelly belly but the ratio, for me, was off. The skin was deliciously crisp, but the small amount of meat was tough even under all of the fat that had zero chance of melting in your mouth due to its size.

The Beer Cheese Burger has had some serious recognition since its debut. Men's Journal has featured it since the start, and many more have written about it, raved about it, and ravished it over a pint or three. Where once there was ravish and rave, there is now the kind of bitter disappointment that comes with finding out they’ve replaced your coffee with Sanka. Hands that once appreciated the joy that came from this perfectly crafted burger seem to have been replaced by those who lost that either due to repetition or zero investment. I ordered it rare – it came out almost medium well and cold. Egregious fouls in my book that could not be undone by even the coldest of local beer. Hoping to perhaps discover gold in some other form, I ordered the Cuban. Served on what appeared to be a store bought hoagie bun, the Cuban was totally disappointing.

The fish and chips entrée was run of the mill and slightly burnt. The Free Range Chicken Pot Pie

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Assorted charcuterie. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent

was delicious, however, I’m not entirely sure of what the correct preparation is since ours came out on a sheet tray in the form of chicken, vegetables and mirepoix with zero puff pastry.

What was perfectly prepared was the Spring Campanele with spinach, broccolini, spicy marinara and sausage. Another perfect partner for beer even if that pale ale or pilsner is marked up more then should be allowed legally.

My recent experience left me a little befuddled.

Ale Mary's has gotten some pretty high praise as of late, yet my experience didn’t mirror most of it. I reached out to some friends in the area who have patronized it regularly since its opening and they all had the same thing to say. Ale Mary's is a great space with great beer and food that, too, was once great.

To be fair, there is a brand new Executive Chef.

Zach Borowski, formerly of Green Dot Stables and Town Tavern, was hired in March to take over the kitchen in both Ale Mary’s and Tom’s Oyster Bar.

Norm Fenton (who was there for less then six months) was the prior man in charge and though Borowski has stated that he does want to eventually do his own thing, he is smart enough to sit back and first observe. Though I can only guess how hard it may be to baby a project started by someone else, it's much needed in order to stay an audience for your own delivery. In the meantime, patio weather is on its way and we Michiganders like our beer, so here’s hoping that Ale Mary's gets it in the end zone before time runs out.

Ale Mary's Beer Hall, 316 Main Street, downtown Royal Oak 48067. Hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily. Limited seating, including communal tables.

248.268.1939 alemarysbeer.com. Handicap accessible and street parking available.

J. March has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry in southeast Michigan, including certification as a sommelier.

FACES

Partha Nandi ith nearly 90 million viewers in more than 80 different countries, Rochester Hills physician Partha Nandi is one of the world's most well known doctors working to educate people about health, wellness, fitness and nutrition.

"I always spoke and did lectures around the country, and one of my stops was in Los Angeles, where I met one of our executive producers.

He said that if we could do what I do in front of a television screen, we could have a really nice program. I talked it over with my family, and we decided to do it because I wanted to leave a bigger footprint on our society," he said of his show, "Ask Dr. Nandi." â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just like with my patients when I talk one-on-one, I wanted to extend that to a larger, broader audience, and I felt that there was really a lack of good information out there for medicine. I thought it was a good opportunity to be able to do that."

Born in India, Nandi moved to the United States when he was nine years old. His father, a college professor, taught at the University of Pennsylvania, before the family moved to Columbus, Ohio. Nandi later attended Wayne State University for medical school in order to get a "big city" experience.

"I like the fact that it was an urban area and had a lot of diversity," he said. "You could get a lot of experience, which I was interested in. That's why I stayed there for residency."

In Rochester Hills for the past decade with his wife and three children, Nandi still travels the globe discussing health and shooting his

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show. But, no matter where he goes, the issues he discusses are typically universal.

"Wherever you go, it's a similar story," he said. "Locally, they have some different issues, but all the stuff I talk about is universal. It's simple things, like knowing what to eat and moving with a purpose, not just going to the gym a couple times a month and saying that's all it takes. It's movement every day. All the solutions are universal with a little bit of a caveat, but in general it's very similar. Human beings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we're all just fat and sassy."

When it comes to health, Nandi said that we live in a "fast food society."

"What I mean by that is that everybody is looking for a quick fix to everything. Whether it be how to make your hair grow faster or get thinner, there are a lot of people taking advantage of that situation where people are expecting a quick fix, so you get a lot of quackery out there," he said. "Our show is a little different. We pick a topic, and we do one topic for a television hour."

Nandi said he focuses on real issues and solutions, and personalizes the show through participation from guests and the audience. Nandi ties the entire show together with "Partha's Perspective," in which he summarizes the topic and offers advice in an effort to educate viewers.

"Most people don't really know what to do to give themselves the best out of life," he said. "Food is medicine, and if you eat the right food and the right stuff, you usually get the right stuff back."

Story: Kevin Elliott

BUSINESS MATTERS New restaurant coming Within the first half of June, the century old Chapman House, 311 Walnut Boulevard in Rochester, is slated to open as a restaurant of the same name. Offering “modern American dining, inspired by French culinary tradition,” Curtis Nordeen, operations manager, said “We’re not a French restaurant per se, but we’re paying attention to those old techniques,” while infusing modern flare. Nordeen likened the ambiance to that of Selden Standard in Midtown Detroit. The menu will be seasonal, yet, “will always have a poultry dish, red meat dish, a couple fish items, some type of pasta, and either a vegetarian or vegan menu item, and one or two things based on what looks good.” The house and property remained in the Chapman family through the mid-’70s, before it was repurposed. For the last three years, owner Geoffrey Dancik has been working towards opening the new restaurant, which will have a full beverage program, and, offer a space for small events to take place outdoors. Executive chef Chris Cason, formerly of Michael Symon’s Roast, learned first hand from James Beard Award-winning chef Takashi Yagihashi, where the two worked together in Chicago. “Then, we got our greedy little hands on him,” said Nordeen, who noted that is Cason’s first executive chef position. Sous chef Dan Cason, Chris’ brother, comes to Chapman House with experience working with James Rigato, owner of Mabel Gray and The Root, and at the Townsend Hotel.

Electro-manufacturer Germany-based electro-mechanical manufacturer Marquardt Group has been present in Rochester Hills for eight years, and will move this June to an industrial space twice as large.

Currently located at 2917 Waterview Drive, in a tech park northwest of Auburn and Crooks roads, the research and development office will move into a 40,500 square-foot space down the road, at 2998 Waterview Drive. The move is prompted by the company’s growth, said Diana Kaupp, marketing and public relations representative. “We’re running out of space here. We’re the technology office for automotive for North America. In our office, we’re mainly mechanical and software engineering; program management; and sales and purchasing to support our clients,” said Kaupp. “We’ll expand some more testing, and our prototype lab, and a bigger dark room for measurements. downtownpublications.com

We do drive authorization systems that allow the driver to start the car. The other part is human-machine interface components, mainly interior parts, steering wheel switches, or other control panels that control various functions in the car, like seat heat or climate, or the gear shifter.” The Marquardt Group has offices in Germany, China, Romania, India, and Tunisia.

40 years of business “This store has been here since 1832,” said pharmacist Robert “Bob” Lytle, who co-owns Lytle Pharmacy with his wife Candy Lytle at 340 S. Main Street in Rochester. The two are celebrating 40 years of operation in the historic Opera House, built on the site in 1890. The previous building housed a pharmacy for years, as well, said Mr. Lytle, who began working at the store a year before he purchased it. The success of the couple’s business is rooted in “being trustworthy” and having a “unique pharmacy,” said Mr. Lytle, who moved to Rochester in 1971. “We make a lot of things that standard, or chain (pharmacies) don’t. We make compounds for dermatologists and hormone replacement situations. We make things from scratch, from powders, the way the pharmacy used to be. It’s something we do that no one else does.” The unique collection of gifts, greeting cards, and Michigancentric items is curated by Mrs. Lytle, and draws people to the store from counties away, and makes a nod to the past with the selection of Rochester-themed items, some released by the Rochester-Avon Historical Society. The Lytle’s are the fifth owner of the store, making Mr. Lytle’s dream come true. “It’s been a lifelong ambition, from when my mom was sick. When I was a kid, I was to go in person to get her medicine. She had rheumatoid arthritis, and I was impressed with how the pharmacists knew everyone and could help with major illnesses, and minor. From an early age I knew this is what I wanted to do,” he said. “I had to find the right store, and I found Rochester, and the rest, as we say, is history.”

New real estate office AAA North, a franchisee of Century 21, moved into Rochester Hills at 6842 Rochester Road, north of Tienken Road. The full-service agency currently has 17 realtors, and is owned

by Charles Reaume, a licensed real estate broker for 30 years, and his sonin-law, Michael Blake, who joined AAA North in 2000. “We’ve been

looking to expand into the Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township market for a while now,” said Blake, noting the appeal of the price of homes. “This market (ranges) from the $150’s up. The highest sale was $1.5 million in Oakland Township. We do condos, townhouses, single family homes. All agents are trained with listing and buying, and we have agents that specialize in listing and buying,” said Blake. This is the fourth office operated by AAA North, with others in Macomb Township, Sterling Heights and Bruce Township, near Romeo.

A smashing welcome Expected open by the first of May, Smashburger gives the greaterRochester area a new place to satisfy a craving for a juicy burger. At 205 S. Livernois Road, on the southeast corner of Walton Boulevard in Rochester Hills, Smashburger has indoor and outdoor seating, and offers dine-in or carryout. General manager John Allen said Rochester is the “happening” place to be, and he’s “glad to be a part of” the area.

The menu consists of seven burger options, with toppings including goat cheese, bacon, avocado, spinach, jalepenos, and Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce; chicken sandwiches; freshly made salads; and sides like fried pickles or veggie frites, described as “fresh green beans and carrot strips flash fried.”

With over 350 locations worldwide, Allen has previously worked at both of the other Michigan locations – West Bloomfield and Troy.

Biggby comes to Rochester Coffee lovers and students, take note.

East Lansing-based Biggby Coffee, a franchise, opened recently at 1286 Walton Boulevard, west of Livernois Road, across from Rochester High School. Owned by Rochester Hills resident, Dr. Hammam Zmily, and managed by his brother, Ahmad Zmily, also a city resident, the casual cafe offers a selection of traditional coffee beverages, signature Freezes, tea lattes, and light eats, including, muffins, bagels, and bagel sandwiches. “His love of coffee, and Biggby, made him decide to open his own store,” said Ahmad, of his brother, a cardiologist. The location is open daily until 9 p.m.

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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.

Child Safe Sunday Salon

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1. Nick Janutol (left) of Grosse Pointe, Ethan Davidson of Birmingham. 2. Ashley Crain (left) of Bloomfield, Gretchen Davidson of Birmingham. 3. Christine Colman (left) of Birmingham, Amanda Fisher and Ben Hubert of W. Bloomfield. 4. Elizabeth Brazilian (left), Samy Eid and Lila Cherri of Birmingham. 5. Annie VanGelderen (left) of Commerce, Betsy Reich of Birmingham, Amy Wasserman of Bloomfield. 6. Daniela Pianigini of Sterling Hgts., William Davidson of Birmingham. 7. Dave & Donna Zimmer of Bloomfield. 8. Betty Bright (left) and Lorraine Schultz of Bloomfield, Lil Dulinger of Northville. 9. Yasno McDonald (left) of Birmingham, Tim Smith of Ferndale, Ashley Hudson of Bloomfield. 10. Forest’s John Wynn of Ferndale, Elizabeth Brazilian of Birmingham.

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FAR’s Sing Out For Kids

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FAR’s Sing Out For Kids The annual karaoke night benefiting FAR attracted a sold out crowd of 150 to private rooms at Emagine Royal Oak. A yummy buffet catered by the inhouse Ironwood Grill and a silent auction ($6,440) occupied folks before the singing got underway with Fox-2’s Roop Raj as a stellar emcee. FAR clients Sarah and Alex kicked off the entertainment and got a standing ovation for their version of Kid Rock’s “Care.” Steve Acho, Jenny Molina, Blain Fowler, Mary Callaghan Lynch and Greg Stryker then took turns, earning rousing appreciation for a wide range of music. A live auction of four offerings including Dom and Cindy Schiano’s donation of a dinner party at their home ($2,000) brought $5,100. Following intermission, a jam session with Stryker and Acho had the crowd on its feet. The lively evening which Karla Sherry and Dale Hollingsworth chaired raised more than $40,000 for FAR’s arts and recreational therapies which they have been providing people with special needs for more than 60 years.

ORT’s WINGO Jill Dones, Julie Marx and Renee Nadiv chaired WINGO for the Michigan region of ORT, the largest non-governmental education and training organization in the world. It attracted 293 to Congregation Beth Ahm for a casual evening of noshing, sipping, a raffle, a silent auction and 10 rounds of bingo. ORT Michigan President Robbie Sherman also led an appeal to support disadvantaged students at YOU-niversity Centers of Excellence in Israel. Pledges will finance 13 scholarships. Upon leaving, guests received a gift bag, sponsored by 1-800-Hansons, filled with goodies and special offers from sponsors. Southfield Pediatrics also said, “Hope you had a sweet time at WINGO,” by supplying a bulk candy station. The event grossed $46,000. ORT’s next fundraiser Ort & The City is 7 p.m., Thursday, May 19, at Eastern Market Shed 5. It will feature a strolling dinner from popular food carts and auctions of art created by College for Creative Studies students inspired by Somerset Collect merchandise.

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1. Karla Sherry (left) of Bloomfield and Dale Hollingsworth of White Lake. 2. Ken & Judy Zorn of Rochester Hills. 3. Michael Brennan (left) of Birmingham, Cathy and Clay Weissenborn of Bloomfield. 4. Lynn Lindsay Lapaugh & Lew Lapaugh of Rochester Hills with Marlo & Jim Moeller of Troy. 5. Mary Callaghan Lynch (left) of Bloomfield, Janet Pound of W. Bloomfield. 6. Barb Darga (left) of Birmingham, Ginny Brown of Belding. 7. Annabel Cohen (center) of Bloomfield, Tony & Cheryl Nestro of Northville.

Child Safe Sunday Salon On one of those unseasonably mild Sundays this area enjoyed last month, Gretchen and Ethan Davidson hosted a delightfully laid back Sally Gerak Sunday afternoon gathering for board members and friends of Child Safe Michigan, the adoption specialists. About 50 guests relished the couple’s warm hospitality in their designed-for-entertaining, artfilled Birmingham manse. “Gretchen gets most of the credit for choosing the art,” Ethan confided. In addition to conversation and Forest’s culinary buffet, the afternoon featured remarks by founder Elizabeth Brazilian and Dave Zimmer, who was ending his service as Judson Center interim president. Child Safe affiliated with Judson Center in January 2015, to strengthen both family service agencies. Christine and David Colman and Amanda Fisher and Ben Hubert also pitched Child Safe’s Legends of Detroit benefit gala they are cochairing with Susu Sosnick June 10 at The Townsend.

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Art of Fashion & Research Neiman Marcus hosted a chic benefit for the nonprofit Van Andel Institute, a non-profit medical research organization in Grand Rapids. The event attracted about 60 guests ($150 ticket) for a champagne reception, lunch, a fashion show and shopping. Before the show, NM’s Renee Janovsky gave an example of how “…research at the Van Andel Institute) is making miracles happen.” Carol Van Andel, executive director of the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation, also spoke briefly about the work of the research institute and its education partner. “Our renegade nature is producing results,” she concluded.

NM’s Ken Dewey then evoked some chuckles when he shared some fashion staffers’ acronyms like OWG (owns many Givenchys) and LMAO (love my Alice and Olivia). All guests got a copy of NM’s The Book, which was hot off the press, and an NM shopping card.

DOWNTOWN

05.16

Brother Rice Irish Nite The granddaddy of local school auctions is Brother Rice High School’s Irish Nite. The homeland of the school’s namesake – educator/missionary Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice – influenced the event name and March date. Both have remained unchanged for 39 years.

This year, 475 school boosters attended the casual event.

As many of the parents of current students are themselves BRHS alums, camaraderie accented conversation during the cocktail hour and silent auction. It contained roughly 350 items and generated $100,000 in bids. Guests relished the strolling dinner catered by Holiday Market’s Smokehouse BBQ before settling at tables for the live auction of 19 items. The Dan Allors’ donation of air travel to the buyer’s destination of choice was the hot item in the live auction, raising $9,000 of the live auction total of nearly $50,000. Following that bidding, people pledged another $13,600 for the renovated academic resource center furniture. Thanks also to generous sponsors Irish Nite XXXIX raised $280,000.

SIP at The Community House Nearly 200 people ($150 - $350 tickets) convened in the Wallace Ballroom at The Community House for the inaugural SIP soiree. While Ben Sharkey crooned, they savored the small plate offerings of eight chefs paired with hand-crafted cocktails. Also notable were the biographical notes and signature cocktail recipes in the handsome booklet. A brief program that spotlighted the generous event donors preceded a live auction conducted

by Dan Stall. It brought in an estimated $28,5000, including the $4,750 a wine lover paid for six days in California wine country. The auction was followed by Dedicated Giving which raised nearly $5,000 to help expand the TCH highly rated Early Childhood Center.

Many in the crowd concluded the evening with luxury spirits by Remy Cointreau and late night bites at the After Hours night cap party upstairs.

Erin Go BRA(gh) On very short notice, 100 of Kathy Broock Ballard’s girlfriends gathered at the Village Club for a charity event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Most of the guests wore something green, but Broock provided piles of fun, emerald green accessories (think hats, beads, glasses, jewelry, etc.) for guests whose wardrobes are color challenged. To play off the Gaelic expression meaning “Ireland forever,” guests were asked to bring unused undergarments. As the personable realtor explained, these would be given to two social service agencies – Alternatives for Girls, which rewards successful clients with “shopping” opportunities in an agency store, and Grace Centers of Hope, which has a women’s program.

This was the third time that Broock has hosted the uplifting party and, judging from the mounting inventory of gifts, the women of both organizations will be getting a nice boost.

BBSO Spring into the Season A hardy band of 50 “music where you live” advocates convened on St. Patrick’s Day at the Bo Concept store to cocktail and socialize. They also perused a silent auction display of generously donated goodies and bid an estimated $3,750 for six items in a mini live auction conducted by Charles Wickins. But the big news of the evening was Rich Tropea’s announcement that, after 25 years as Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra board chair, he is passing the gavel to Rochester’s Bill Close. Tropea also praised the orchestra’s new Music downtownpublications.com

ORT’s WINGO

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1. Robbie Sherman (left) of Bloomfield, Renee Navid of Huntington Woods. 2. Julie Marx (left) of Bloomfield and Julie Dones of Waterford with Emma Zerkel of W. Bloomfield. 3. Lena Epstein (left) of Bloomfield, Lilly Epstein Stotland and Susan Weisberg of Birmingham.

Art of Fashion & Research

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1. Renee Janovsky (left) of Grosse Pointe, Carol Van Andel of Grand Rapids. 2. Janet Ankers (left) of Beverly Hills, Gabrielle Poshaldo of Ferndale. 3. Peg Tallett (left) of Pleasant Ridge, Caroline Cassin of Grosse Pointe.

Brother Rice Irish Nite

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1. Molly (left) & Mike Beauregard of Bloomfield, their daughter Maddy. 2. Victoria and Rick Constantini of Bloomfield, Nick & Theresa Mamatas of Birmingham. 3. Alan (left) & Angela Korn of Rochester Hills, Michelle & Kevin Vogles of Bloomfield. 4. Kathy (left) & Ross Reason and Julie Christian Comer of Bloomfield, Roseann Donaldson of Franklin. 5. Bob Reason (left) of Bloomfield, David Smith of Birmingham. 6. James McNulty (left) and Jeff Merchant of Birmingham, Keith Sims of Farmington, Jake Pilat of Rochester Hills. 7. Ryan Washelski (left) and Evan Oesterle of Bloomfield, Jack Winkler and Andrew Rosa of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK SIP at The Community House

Director/Conductor John Thomas Dodson who spoke about his job. “My life is my giving,” he said. On Friday, May 20, the orchestra will perform at Christ Church Cranbrook. Go to bbso.org for the concert program and tickets.

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1. Eric (left) & Michelle Schwab with Amy & Jeff Messano of Bloomfield. 2. Christina & Sean Metrose of Bloomfield, Brian Bates & Monique Molnar of Metamora. 3. Rob Farr (center) of Beverly Hills with Dave & Kathleen Devereaux of Birmingham.

4. Dan Quick and daughter Hannah Quick of Bloomfield. 5. Jennifer Ortwein and Steven Lewis of Bloomfield. 6. Laurie Farr (left) of Beverly Hills, Tom Kuslits and Betsy Reich of Birmingham. 7. Liz Sellers of Birmingham, Sean McGaughey of Beverly Hills. 8. Ronald (left) & Linda Hatfield of Farmington Hills, Bob Kupfer & Dave Weir of Bloomfield. 9. Gwen Schultz-Ofiara (left) of W. Bloomfield, Dom & Erin DiMarco of Bloomfield. 10. Andrea Kaczmarek (left) of Birmingham, Timothy & Tina Flint of Grand Blanc.

Erin Go BRA(gh)

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1. Karen Griffin (left) of Birmingham, Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake, Lisa Gorcyca of Troy. 2. Cheryl Hall-Lindsay (left) and Ann North of W. Bloomfield, Patti Prowse and Patty Ghesquire of Bloomfield. 3. Dana Brophy (left) of Birmingham, Linda Aikens of W. Bloomfield, Jamison Faliski of Bloomfield. 4. Pam Brown (left) of Birmingham, Michelle Weiss and Jan George of W. Bloomfield, Jan Orsen of Bloomfield. 5. Vicki Mueller (left), Sarah Post and Jill Ray of Bloomfield. 6. Brooke (left) and Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake, Joy Broock of W. Bloomfield. 7. Lisa Gorcyca (left) of Troy, Karen Griffin of Birmingham.

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Beyond Basics’ Come Together for Children Smiling student authors sat at tables with their books in the VIP reception at the Detroit Golf Club the evening Beyond Basics staged its annual fundraiser. It attracted 250 ($150 & up tickets), including the 50 benefactors who were buying autographed copies of the kids’ books before moving on to the larger reception and silent auction. There, special guest, author Mitch Albom, in brief, sincere remarks, said that Beyond Basics was close to his heart. “(Literacy) is the essence of what makes us human,” he noted.

The dinner program that followed had highlights: a memorial moment for BB co-founder Joanne Wagerson, who lost her heroic battle with ALS in December; a live auction conducted by Charles Wickins in which people bid $41,200 for 11 donated items; award presentations to Jack and Annette Aronson, Mohammad and Farhat Qazo, Karen Schickle, five student authors and one essay writer; and the screening of a new film about Beyond Basics

by Keith Famie, produced by Jack Aronson. In it new Central High School principal David Oclander explains how what he saw during his military service in the Middle East caused him to change careers upon his return and choose to work with vulnerable school populations. The evening netted more than $150,000 to support the literacy programs Beyond Basics conducts in eight public schools.

It changes the destiny of literacy-challenged students with one hour per day for six to eight weeks of personal tutoring, bringing them up to grade level.

Evening of Art + Science Conversation The late A. Alfred Taubman, who was passionate about art and medical research, is surely smiling about what is going on in his name. Physicianresearchers from the Taubman Institute at the University of Michigan have partnered with 19 contemporary artists to inspire original work. It will be sold at auction to fund the Emerging Scholars Program at the institute. One of those pairs – Cranbrook painting department artist-in-residence Beverly Fishman and institute director/physician/researcher Dr. Eva Feldman – participated in a splendid discussion about the progress of their collaboration.

The evening attracted 100 fans of both to the Cranbrook Art Museum, where museum director Andrew Blauvel moderated the conversation. It revealed that the two women have become good friends, that artists and scientists think and process things similarly, and unbeknownst to either, Fishman has family members affected by ALS and Parkinson’s, Feldman’s specialties.

West Point Founders Day Celebration Because West Point grad Walter Oehrlein knew that my grandson (Jake Gerak, son of Jeremy and Lisa Gerak of San Antonio, TX) had recently been accepted to West Point Military Academy, he invited me to the non-profit West Point Society of Michigan’s Founders Day Dinner. The annual event, which is duplicated in each state, attracted 150 to Forest Lake Country Club.

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list included members of the WP Parents Club, two current cadets who were home on spring break, 17 of the 27 Michigan high school seniors who have accepted appointments, and some of their proud parents. The cadet candidates arrived early for informal conversation about life at the academy before the official cocktail hour, which was named Benny Havens after a very old West Point tradition. Society president Tom Lynch presided over the dinner program. Like the academy itself, which was founded by president Thomas Jefferson in 1801, the evening was rife with tradition. There were six toasts (to the president, the army, the academy, the corps, the ladies and fallen comrades); the Distinguished Member of the Year Award presentation to Doug McDowell for his dedicated work with urban youth; a video depicting new construction on campus as well as cadets doing the grueling obstacle course; remarks by the oldest and youngest grad in attendance (the latter, class of 2012, lamented “I’ve never seen Army beat Navy in football”); recitation of the Cadet Prayer and singing of the Alma Mater. The academy’s motto - Duty, Honor, Country – was referenced with pride throughout the entire evening.

Michigan Women’s Foundation Celebration Here’s betting some of the 800 guests gathered at the Motor City Casino Sound Board and Ballroom for the Michigan Women’s Foundation 30th anniversary celebration learned a thing or two about the organization.

For example, event co-chair Tricia Keith mentioned, “Our roots include Title IX (advocacy).” CEO Caroline Cassin also boasted that MWF has invested $1 million in micro loans to women-owned businesses. “Smart investments,” she declared, “ because women pay them back.”

Another speaker, who had been hungry and homeless, is now the CEO of Eden Urban Farms and is growing lettuce hydroponically in Detroit, thanks to an MWF loan. And when a victim of a 20-years-ago rape told her story, she noted that the rape kit finally got tested in 2014, thanks to MWF’s Enough SAID giving initiative. “My rapist is now serving jail time…I am so grateful,” she concluded to rousing applause. Cochair Cynthia Ford followed the rape victim at the podium and encouraged guests to text donations right from their seats. This raised $34,000 in the downtownpublications.com

BBSO Spring into the Season

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2 1. Steve Syzdek (left) of Bloomfield, Bill Close of Rochester. 2. Rich (left) & Colleen Tropea of Bloomfield, Jane Syzdek of Bloomfield, John Thomas Dodson of Ann Arbor. 3. Mary Happel (left) of Bloomfield, Marcia Stoll of Commerce.

4. Sharon Burman (center) of Troy, David Stanislaw (left) and Charles Wickins of Birmingham. 5. Art Saarelaa and Rita Close of Rochester. 6. Volunteer wine pourers Cecilia & Dave Brown of Birmingham. 7. Steve Syzdek of Bloomfield, Mike Gabos of Birmingham.

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Beyond Basics’ Come Together for Children

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1. Donna & Ric Devore of Birmingham. 2.Jack (left) & Annette Aronson of Bloomfield. 3. Mohammad (left) & Fahat Gazi of W. Bloomfield, Pam Good of Birmingham, Mitch Albom of Franklin. 4. Chris & Roxanne Perry of Bloomfield. 5. Steve (left) & Renee Read of Bloomfield, Kevin & Karen Schickel of W. Bloomfield, Kevin Schickel of Highland. 6. Ira Jaffe (left) of Farmington Hills, Liz Luckenbach & Chris McLogan of Birmingham, Caprice & Bill McGrail of Pleasant Ridge. 7. Gerry Padilla (left) & Linda Orlans of Birmingham and Ben Erulkar of Grosse Pointe.

West Point Founders Day Celebration

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1. Michigan Society president Tom (left) Lynch WP 1982 and his son Liam Lynch WP 2018 of Bloomfield, WP Dep. Commandment Col. John Drago of West Point, NY. 2. Cadet candidates Riley Page (left) of Birmingham and Gavin McAuliffe of Canton.

3. Dave, WP 1989, & Shannon Sokol of Rochester. 4. Michigan Society VP Jim Suhay WP 1966 (left) of Birmingham, parents club members Dr. Dan & Dr. Troy Taylor of Northville. 5. Carol Sehn Laramie and Fran Sehn of Bloomfield. 6. Michigan Society board members Kim Sokol, WP 1989, of Rochester Hills, Michigan Society board member Temple Cumiskey, WP 1970, & Joanne Estes of Waterford. 7. Kate Lynch (left) of Bloomfield, Field Force member Ray Williams of Farmington Hills.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK wink of an eye. When added to the silent auction take ($30,000), tickets ($125 each) and sponsorships, the Lights, Courage, Action! theme evening raised $715,600 for programs that help achieve equality and empowerment for Michigan women and girls.

Evening of Art + Science Conversation

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1. Bev Fishman of Bloomfield, Dr. Eva Feldman of Ann Arbor. 2. Marty Fischoff (left) of Ann Arbor, Alison & David Taubman of Beverly Hills.

3. Eric (left) & Peggy Osterbeck of Washington Twp., Sara & Andy Brenz of Troy. 4. Kathy Goldberg (left) and Maxine Frankel of Bloomfield.

5. Marc Schwartz (left) and Bill Taubman of Birmingham. 6. Susan Foley (left) of Birmingham, Eric Barritt of Northville, Maria Mueller and Jason Keech of Ann Arbor.

Michigan Women’s Foundation Celebration

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1. Maggie Allesee, Carolyn Cassin of Grosse Pointe. 2. Tricia Keith (left) of Royal Oak, Ellyn Davidson of Huntington Woods, event co-chair DTE Faye Nelson of Grosse Pointe. 3. Brenda Lawrence (left) of Southfield, Sandy Pierce of Northville, Andra Rush of Howell and Beth Chappell of Bloomfield, Pamela Moore of Detroit. 4. Debbie Dingell (left) of Dearborn and Sarah Earley of Bloomfield. 5. Janis Rogers (left) of Bloomfield, Tammy Golden of Troy. 6. Kristie Hassouna (left) of Royal Oak, Christina Lovio-George of Bloomfield, Kathleen McCann of Plymouth. 7. Nancy Salvia (left) of Rochester, Lamija Grebonic of Troy and Nada Rote of Grosse Isle. 8. Cynthia Ford of Grosse Pointe. 9. Ann Parnes (left) of Clinton Twp., Mary Parkhill of Bloomfield. 10. Cathy Laird (left) of Brooklyn, Karen Gates of Bloomfield.

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Village Club Foundation Memorial Tea At the Village Club Foundation’s High Tea in honor of her mother, Amy Hackett Palmer led the toast to “…Jeanne Hackett, a delightful lady and good friend,” as 80 guests enthusiastically joined in. Many of them were wearing necklaces they cherish because they are handsome and because they were made by Jeanne during her 20–plus years as a successful jewelry artist. And those were the last decades of the nonagenarian’s remarkable life. Tea chair Clara Davis enthralled all with a presentation of the honoree’s wideranging interests and talents.

Included were her service to Beaumont Hospital, Christ Church Cranbrook and generosity to the Village Club, its foundation, and The Community House, where a room is named in honor of the Hackett beneficence. The bountiful tea table was centered with Nancy Spence’s floral arrangement.Sharon Adams, Camille Breen, Edie Anderson, Mary Lou Mabee, Betty Sanders, Cathie Pollock and Patti McGillivray took turns pouring. And the private conversations over teacups were dotted with Jeanne Hackett’s marvelous quotes, testimony to a plucky and beloved woman.

Women’s Power Happy Hour for Gleaners Three years ago, when powerful women were planning the 20th Gleaner’s Community Food Banks’ fundraising breakfast, they added a Happy Hour event to the calendar.

The third version of the Power Women’s Happy Hour brought more than 350 ($150 & $100 tickets) to the MGM Grand on April 7. All we interviewed agreed that the venue, the lobby/reception space outside the ballroom, was the best yet. It provided well for the yummy buffet and silent auction display of 65 items ($10,895) as well as places to sit, stand and stroll while networking.

Gleaners board chair Katy Locker and the three event chairs (Dee Dee McKinney Odom, Paige Lustig and Linzie Vengas) each thanked the 05.16

guests, sponsors ($15,659) and auction donors. The event raised enough money ($36,744) to fund 110,232 meals.

Laurie Tennent Botanicals charity opening Photographer Laurie Tennent greeted about 200 well wishers at the Robert Kidd Gallery opening reception for her exhibition Botanicals: Intimate Portraits. The large scale photographs printed on aluminum are dramatic and designed for outdoor display. Many guests, including this reporter, had known the Birmingham native since she was a student at the College for Creative Studies. She designated the Kelly Fund at CCS, which she established and named for her beautiful, late mother, to receive donations for a print of her work Tulips.

The exhibition remains at the gallery through May 6, but Tennent is off to Illinois where her work will also be featured at The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe from April 15 September 2, beginning with the Antiques, Garden and Design Show which took place Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17.

Polish Dinner benefiting Camp Ozanam Following mass at Our Lady of Orchard Lake celebrated by Bishop Francis Reiss, supporters of St. Vincent De Paul’s Camp Ozanam for inner city kids relished a classic Polish dinner. It concluded with a traditional Polish dessert which has been renamed papal cream cake because the late Pope John Paul II loved it. Guests knew they were convened to spotlight the upcoming 25th Anniversary Red Martin & Msgr.

Gerald Martin Golf Classic planned for Monday, June 20, at Pine Lake Country Club.

Girl Scouts Cookie Gala More than 300 people attended the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan’s signature fundraiser at the DTE Energy Headquarters. They savored cuisine created using Girl Scout cookies and raised more than $76,000 for Girl Scouting in southeastern Michigan.

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

Village Club Foundation Memorial Tea

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1. Patty McGillivray (left) and Amy Hackett Palmer & Dave Palmer of Bloomfield. 2. David (left) & MaryAnne Rosenberger, Clara Davis and Linda Lang of Bloomfield. 3. Carol Litka (center) of Troy, Pat Hardy (left) and Betty Bright of Bloomfield. 4. Anita Damiani (left) and Ann Fecko of Bloomfield, Sandra Pott of Rochester Hills. 5. Nancy Spence (left) of Birmingham, Sarah Post and Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield. 6. Joan Keller (left), Lyn Bell and Sally Flynn of Bloomfield.

Women’s Power Happy Hour for Gleaners

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1. Dee Dee McKinney Odom (left) of Detroit, Linzie Vengeas of Grosse Pointe and Paige Lustig of Birmingham. 2. Gail Barnhart (left), Chris Lustig, Holly Beth Moncher and Karen Clancy of Bloomfield. 3. Patty Janeway (left) of Bingham Farms, Peg Tallett of Pleasant Ridge, Sarah Earley of Bloomfield. 4. Kathleen Lomako (left) of Livonia, Susan Kirchbaum of Bingham Farms, Trish Hubbell of Detroit, Erica Peresman of Birmingham.

5. Katy Locker (left) of Detroit, Suzette Hohendorf of Birmingham.

Laurie Tennent Botanicals charity opening

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1. Laurie Tennent (center) of Bloomfield, Robert Kidd Gallery Owners Gerard Marti (left) and Jennifer Vinklarek of Birmingham. 2. Marcy HellerFisher (left) and Phoebe Goldstein of Bloomfield. 3. Lisa & Gerry Brody of Bloomfield. 4. Sid Goldstein of Bloomfield with Icelandic Poppies.

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Protecting the most vulnerable at school arents and some legislators up in arms about the Michigan Board of Education's proposed policy recommendations for how local districts should address concerns about transgender issues in their schools appear to be missing the point.

The recommendations, presented in a document – titled Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Students – provides, among other issues, guidance on how to address requests by transgender students to use restroom and locker room facilities and how to be addressed by names in accordance with their gender identity, rather than that of their biological sex at birth. Additionally, the guidelines suggest allowing such requests to be made without parental consent or knowledge in some cases.

Opponents have latched onto recommendations by the state board that are intended to protect students from family rejection or flat-out retribution and harm. However, claims that such student protections cut parents out of the loop are ignoring other recommendations that encourage district to work with parents.

Specifically, the guidelines state that "parental acceptance and family support are key determinants of LGBTQ student health," and is strongly encouraged.

Although it's true the recommendations note the responsibility for determining a student's gender identity rests with the student alone, meaning a LGBT student has the right to make

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such requests without parental permission, such measures may be appropriate and necessary for students who face a very real response of rejection or harm from a non-supportive family.

Nor does the board suggest such measures for elementary school students, as some may apparently believe.

The truth of the matter is, whether opponents choose to accept it or not, that the vast majority of parents of LGBT students are usually out of the loop far before they are aware their child has come out as LBGT. And most have been for years while their children are working to sort out their sexuality and/or gender on their own. In fact, it's typical for a LGBT student to come out to their close friends or a trusted person at school well before they tell their parents. Therefore, it makes sense psychologically for schools to provide a safe harbor to those who may face rejection, or in worse cases, homelessness, neglect or abuse As far as concerns about privacy, we believe that a compromise can be reached on a caseby-case basis, as is recommended in the guidelines. Many schools already provide unisex restrooms for students and/or staff, which students may already use. Further accommodations should be made for any student that feels uncomfortable in a group locker room facility – not just LGBT students.

Further, state and national statistics on the harassment and violence against LGBT students fly in the face of irrational fears that straight students would be harmed at the

hands of transgender kids. They simply aren't the antagonists.

Lastly, those opposed to the guidelines should be reminded that they are simply recommendations, many of which local districts have already started implementing on their own prior to any state board involvement. Statewide guidance documents — which are already in place in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Texas — not only take into consideration the well-being of students, but are drafted to be in accordance with federal regulations while transgender issues are sorted out in the courts. The guidelines serve to assist local school districts in balancing the rights of students who are at risk.

On a side note, we must voice our disappointment with the number of Oakland County legislators who failed to respond to repeated requests for comment on this issue, particularly that of Sen. Marty Knollenberg (RBirmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills). While we understand LGBT issues are a hot-button for legislators that illicit some artful dodges from some who did respond, we believe the senator has an obligation to the communities he represents to acknowledge their concerns and be transparent when it comes to his views on issues. It's important to remember the press represents the voice of the people. It would be wise for all legislators, but especially Sen. Knollenberg, who has a track record of dodging the press, to remember that.

The PSD: important role for business, city he Rochester City Council is currently considering updating special assessment rates for downtown Rochester commercial properties that are located in the Principal Shopping District (PSD), something that hasn't occurred in the last eight years, despite significant improvements to the city's downtown. The rate increase, if approved by council in May, would range from 27 cents a square foot for businesses located on the first floor in the center of Main Street, to 16 cents for a business located on the second or upper floor or an adjacent street. PSD chairman Alan Smith told city council and the public at their meeting April 25 that it would cost property owners, or their merchants, on average an additional “$30 per 1,000 square feet, per year.”

Certainly, no one ever wants to pay more for anything. But $30 a year is unlikely to break any merchant or business owner. And a PSD offers considerable value to businesses each year, by providing events, marketing and merchandising to cities and by branding their downtowns, which help to capture local residents during their free time. If done right and effectively, that translates into corresponding spending at downtown businesses.

At Downtown Publications, we have seen the

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value of PSDs first hand, covering downtown Birmingham for six years. While it's impossible to put an exact price tag, or quantify its measurables, as one Rochester council member requested, we can attest to how a PSD, by coordinating the downtown community, marketing it, offering events that bring in residents, visitors and incorporate the business community, help to create the most vibrant downtown possible. A good PSD can also stimulate the local economy and help with occupancy rates. The best measurables?

More people walking your streets, visiting and shopping in your stores, and eating in your restaurants. That's the true measure of a PSD. The Rochester PSD markets Rochester to local residents and to neighboring communities, as well as sponsoring events such as the Big Bright Light Show, Fire and Ice, Downtown Rochester Farmer's Market, Movies in the Moonlight and the Kris Kringle Market.

It takes money to sponsor these fun and significant events, with the PSD assessments accounting for 36 percent, or $244,000, of the total $670,000 budget. No business enjoys paying assessments, much less an increase. But who is kidding who – that $30 increase can be passed on via rent to the business owner, and/or built into the

cost of products sold. There's nothing wrong, or unusual about that –that's the cost of doing business in the real world, in exchange for a service to the business owner and the public.

We recognize that business owners have been hit harder than usual this year due to the newlybuilt parking decks, and their attendant assessments. Growing pains can be painful. But just like teens morphing into adults, the temporary aches will soon be forgotten as Rochester continues to blossom as a vibrant downtown area.

Yes, some complain about Rochester's PSD. There will always be complaints. But we think the PSD provides a valuable service for the downtown area, which is really the underpinning for the entire community. In terms of some complaints, the PSD may want to review whether its weekly, and sometimes more frequent, e-mail blasts are reaching all businesses within its boundaries, but on balance we think the organization does a good job of keeping businesses up to date on what is taking place in the city.

As one last note, we don't think the PSD should fall prey to requests to let some businesses opt out of the PSD, for any reason.

From our vantage point, the PSD is on the right track.

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